Difference between revisions of "Neurosis"

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[[File:neurosis.jpg|thumb|right|280px|early 20th century textbook on psychoneruoses]]
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'''Neurosis''' was a class of functional psychiatric disorders involving distress, with neither monothematic delusions or hallucinations. While it was a [[DSM]] diagnosis it was also known as ''psycho-neurosis'' or ''neurotic disorder'', and thus those suffering from it are said to be neurotic. The term essentially describes an ongoing cognitive or affective civil war. While being removed from the DSM in 1980, it still remains in use in psychoanalytical circles. The disorders once classified as neuroses are now considered anxiety disorders. These changes to the DSM have been controversial.
 
'''Neurosis''' was a class of functional psychiatric disorders involving distress, with neither monothematic delusions or hallucinations. While it was a [[DSM]] diagnosis it was also known as ''psycho-neurosis'' or ''neurotic disorder'', and thus those suffering from it are said to be neurotic. The term essentially describes an ongoing cognitive or affective civil war. While being removed from the DSM in 1980, it still remains in use in psychoanalytical circles. The disorders once classified as neuroses are now considered anxiety disorders. These changes to the DSM have been controversial.
  
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The term neurosis was coined by the Scottish doctor [[William Cullen]], in 1769 to refer to "disorders of sense and motion" caused by a "general affection of the nervous system". For him, it described various nervous disorders and symptoms that could not be explained by the physical condition of the mind or body. It derives from the Greek word "νεῦρον" (neuro) with the suffix -osis, meaning an abnormal condition. The term was however most influentially defined by [[Carl Jung]] and [[Sigmund Freud]] over a century later through its employment in [[psychoanalysis]]. It has continued to be used in contemporary theoretical writing in psychology and philosophy, but not clinically.
 
The term neurosis was coined by the Scottish doctor [[William Cullen]], in 1769 to refer to "disorders of sense and motion" caused by a "general affection of the nervous system". For him, it described various nervous disorders and symptoms that could not be explained by the physical condition of the mind or body. It derives from the Greek word "νεῦρον" (neuro) with the suffix -osis, meaning an abnormal condition. The term was however most influentially defined by [[Carl Jung]] and [[Sigmund Freud]] over a century later through its employment in [[psychoanalysis]]. It has continued to be used in contemporary theoretical writing in psychology and philosophy, but not clinically.
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== Neurotic Etiology ==
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=== Freudian theory ===
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According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, neuroses may be rooted in ego defense mechanisms, but the two concepts are not synonymous. Ego Defense mechanisms are the means of developing, and maintaining, a consistent sense of self-hood, while only those thoughts and behavior patterns that produce difficulties in living should be termed "neuroses". This is the view upheld as being orthodox within the psychoanalytic community.
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=== Jungian theory ===
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[[Carl Jung]]'s theory of neurosis is based on the former, that a self-regulating psyche composed of tensions between opposing attitudes of the ego and the unconscious were at work. A neurosis is a significant unresolved tension between these contending attitudes. Each neurosis is unique, and different things work in different cases, so no single psycho-therapeutic method can be arbitrarily applied. Nevertheless, there is a set of cases that Jung especially addressed. Although adjusted well enough to everyday life, the individual has lost a fulfilling sense of meaning and purpose, and has no living religious belief to which to turn. There seems to be no readily apparent way to set matters right. In these cases, Jung turned to ongoing symbolic communication from the unconscious in the form of dreams.
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Resolution of the tension causing this type of neurosis involves a careful constructive study of the individual's fantasies. The seriousness with which the individual  must take the mythological aspects of the fantasies may compare with the regard that devoted believers have toward their religion. Only a belief founded on direct experience with this process is sufficient to oppose, balance, and otherwise adjust the attitude of the ego.
  
 
== Associated Links ==
 
== Associated Links ==

Revision as of 00:06, 15 February 2013

early 20th century textbook on psychoneruoses

Neurosis was a class of functional psychiatric disorders involving distress, with neither monothematic delusions or hallucinations. While it was a DSM diagnosis it was also known as psycho-neurosis or neurotic disorder, and thus those suffering from it are said to be neurotic. The term essentially describes an ongoing cognitive or affective civil war. While being removed from the DSM in 1980, it still remains in use in psychoanalytical circles. The disorders once classified as neuroses are now considered anxiety disorders. These changes to the DSM have been controversial.

History

The term neurosis was coined by the Scottish doctor William Cullen, in 1769 to refer to "disorders of sense and motion" caused by a "general affection of the nervous system". For him, it described various nervous disorders and symptoms that could not be explained by the physical condition of the mind or body. It derives from the Greek word "νεῦρον" (neuro) with the suffix -osis, meaning an abnormal condition. The term was however most influentially defined by Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud over a century later through its employment in psychoanalysis. It has continued to be used in contemporary theoretical writing in psychology and philosophy, but not clinically.

Neurotic Etiology

Freudian theory

According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, neuroses may be rooted in ego defense mechanisms, but the two concepts are not synonymous. Ego Defense mechanisms are the means of developing, and maintaining, a consistent sense of self-hood, while only those thoughts and behavior patterns that produce difficulties in living should be termed "neuroses". This is the view upheld as being orthodox within the psychoanalytic community.

Jungian theory

Carl Jung's theory of neurosis is based on the former, that a self-regulating psyche composed of tensions between opposing attitudes of the ego and the unconscious were at work. A neurosis is a significant unresolved tension between these contending attitudes. Each neurosis is unique, and different things work in different cases, so no single psycho-therapeutic method can be arbitrarily applied. Nevertheless, there is a set of cases that Jung especially addressed. Although adjusted well enough to everyday life, the individual has lost a fulfilling sense of meaning and purpose, and has no living religious belief to which to turn. There seems to be no readily apparent way to set matters right. In these cases, Jung turned to ongoing symbolic communication from the unconscious in the form of dreams.

Resolution of the tension causing this type of neurosis involves a careful constructive study of the individual's fantasies. The seriousness with which the individual must take the mythological aspects of the fantasies may compare with the regard that devoted believers have toward their religion. Only a belief founded on direct experience with this process is sufficient to oppose, balance, and otherwise adjust the attitude of the ego.

Associated Links