Neurosis and Psychosis: Concept and Differences

George Alvarez 20-10-2023
George Alvarez

What they are neurosis and psychosis In this brief summary, we will learn about psychoanalysis' perspective on neurosis and psychosis, since Freud's contribution.

In general, the psychosis differs from neurosis by to present with more intensity and also because it is incapacitating Historically, psychosis was also called madness .

Even today, in legal terms, for example, psychosis is recognized as a serious mental disorder that prevents individuals from being able to run their own affairs.

The differentiation between psychosis and neurosis is not unanimous among psychoanalytic therapists. For some, it is only a matter of differences in symptom intensity, for others, there are fundamental differences between psychoses and neuroses.

Concept of Psychosis

A loss of voluntary control of thoughts, emotions and impulses The psychotic behavior presents difficulties in differentiating between reality and subjective experience. In this case, fantasies and reality are confused, and reality can be replaced by delusions and hallucinations.

In this type of psychopathology, there is an acceptance of the psychotic state by the patient, although he may not understand that there is anything wrong with him. A emotional and social relationship skills of the individual is affected, and a marked personality disorganization occurs.

In recent years, a large number of studies have sought to identify relationships between the occurrence of psychosis and other factors such as age, gender, and occupation. At first it was shown that there is a wide age variation in relation to the manifestation of psychosis (affecting people of various ages).

See_also: Basic Concepts of Psychoanalysis: 20 Essentials

In addition, psychotic manifestations can be seen in all types of occupations, without a specific occurrence in a particular area. It is also common to find psychotic manifestations In all ethnic and racial groups, psychotic manifestations occur twice as often in people living in urban areas as in people living in rural areas.

Concept of Neurosis

Regarding neuroses you have this psychopathology does not manifest itself through a rupture with reality Neurotic states include phobias, obsessions and compulsions, some depression and amnesia For an important group of psychoanalysts, neurosis can be identified as:

  • a) a inner conflict between the impulses of the Id and general fears of the superego;
  • b) the presence of sexual impulses ;
  • c) the ego disability through rational and logical influence to help the person overcome the conflict and
  • d) the manifestation of neurotic anxiety .

Not all analysts, as noted, corroborate these statements. Some followers of Sigmund Freud became dissenters from his teachings because of the importance attached to sexual factors.

Differentiating Neurosis and Psychosis, between neurotic and psychotic

Both are mental disorders that can cause psychological suffering. However, there are significant differences between the two disorders.

  • Neurosis These are known forms of neurosis: anxiety, anguish, depression, fear, phobia, mania, obsession and compulsion. In neurosis, the person does not lose the link with reality. The suffering comes exactly because the person feels divided.The neurotic tends to function better than the psychotic. That is, in the neurotic, the ego still has a relatively healthy functioning, and it is possible to search for the distressing or anxious causes, even if these symptoms are unpleasant.
  • Psychosis The two major psychotic manifestation groups are schizophrenia and paranoia The psychotic may have hallucinations, delusions, feelings of being persecuted, disorganized thinking, and excessively incompatible social behavior. There is also increased functional impairment in social, occupational, and interpersonal functioning. The person may believe things that are not true or see, smell, or hear things that do not exist.

Although neuroses and perversions are more "treatable" psychic structures in psychoanalysis, there are psychoanalysts who also see the effectiveness of psychoanalysis in the treatment of psychotics. In this case, in a way, it is necessary that the psychoanalyst "enters the game" of the psychotic's representations.reflect on their condition.

Read Also: Ego and Superego: Meaning and Roles in the Family

Other Aspects for the Emergence of Neurosis

Alfred Adler, for example, argued that neuroses arise from feelings of inferiority Such feelings would arise in childhood, when children are short in stature or unable to defend themselves.

It is also common for physicians to find biochemical explanations Recent research shows that barbiturate drugs may be associated with the production of substances that inhibit brain activity.

Today, the term neurosis is no longer used to designate this type of psychopathology. For the identification of these disorders, terms such as Anxiety disorders . a narrow group of illnesses, defines states of apprehension, the fear of uncertainty regarding a real situation or not. Among the most common symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.

In general terms, let's take a look at the subdivisions of this group of disorders:

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Phobias

Among the phobias, the most common is agoraphobia, which is commonly expressed as a fear of leaving home. This type is the most common among people who seek treatment. Also to be observed are the types called social phobia and simple phobia, represented by a persistent and irrational fear.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The most common obsessions center around violence. It is also common for obsessive-compulsives to develop the habit of counting (counting steps, events, pictures, wallpaper), washing their hands, or touching objects (all the furniture in a room or all the items in a closet).

Generally, obsessive-compulsive adults try to resist these symptoms, realizing how little sense they present.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder usually manifests itself as the aftereffect of some traumatic event. When these symptoms persist, one concludes it is post-traumatic stress, a disorder common among war veterans and among survivors of kidnapping or natural disasters.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder TAG

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a type of persistent anxiety that lasts for a month, for example. Among the most common symptoms are instability, fear, sweating, dry mouth, insomnia, and inattention.

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Conclusion

To conclude, we can then say that although neurosis and psychosis are two conditions that originate in the mind, they have their differences. However, both require treatment.

The most important thing to note about neuroses and psychoses is that the suffering is real, and not infrequently they require the support of a psychotherapy to support the patient, helping them to live as normal a life as possible.

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.