NeurosisNeurosis
A neurosis is a chronic or recurrent nonpsychoticA neurosis is a chronic or recurrent nonpsychoticdisorder characterized mainly by anxiety, which isdisorder characterized mainly by anxiety, which isexperienced or expressed directly or is alteredexperienced or expressed directly or is alteredthrough defense mechanisms; it appears as athrough defense mechanisms; it appears as asymptom, such as an obsession, a compulsion, asymptom, such as an obsession, a compulsion, aphobia, or a sexual dysfunction. In the third editionphobia, or a sexual dysfunction. In the third editionof DSM (DSM-III), a neurotic disorder was defined asof DSM (DSM-III), a neurotic disorder was defined asfollows:follows:
A mental disorder in which the predominantA mental disorder in which the predominantdisturbance is a symptom or group of symptoms thatdisturbance is a symptom or group of symptoms thatis distressing to the individual and is recognized byis distressing to the individual and is recognized byhim or her as unacceptable and alien (ego-dystonic);him or her as unacceptable and alien (ego-dystonic);reality testing is grossly intact. Behavior does notreality testing is grossly intact. Behavior does notactively violate gross social norms (though it may beactively violate gross social norms (though it may bequite disabling). The disturbance is relativelyquite disabling). The disturbance is relativelyenduring or recurrent without treatment, and is notenduring or recurrent without treatment, and is notlimited to a transitory reaction to stressors. There islimited to a transitory reaction to stressors. There isno demonstrable organic etiology or factor.no demonstrable organic etiology or factor.
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