PSYCHONEUROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Psychoneurosis is a psychological disorder characterized by chronic, distressing emotional disturbances that affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is a term that was commonly used in the field of psychiatry, but has now been replaced by the more encompassing term "anxiety disorder."
Derived from the Greek words "psyche," meaning mind, and "neuron," meaning nerve, psychoneurosis reflects an understanding that the disorder arises from an interaction between the mind and the nervous system. It is believed to stem from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, such as past traumatic experiences, unresolved conflicts, and specific personality traits.
Individuals with psychoneurosis often experience excessive and irrational fears, anxieties, and phobias that significantly interfere with their daily functioning. They may exhibit symptoms such as persistent worry, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, social withdrawal, insomnia, poor concentration, and physical complaints like headaches or gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms can cause significant distress and impairment in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Treatment for psychoneurosis typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy aims to help individuals gain insight into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and develop healthy coping strategies. Medications, such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs, may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.
It is worth noting that the term "psychoneurosis" has fallen out of favor in contemporary psychiatric practice, as it does not encompass the full range of anxiety disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Nevertheless, it remains historically significant and contributes to the understanding of psychological distress.
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One of a group of minor diseases of the mind which are not actually insanities.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSYCHONEUROSIS
Etymology of PSYCHONEUROSIS
The word "psychoneurosis" is derived from the Latin roots "psycho-" meaning mind or mental, and "neurosis" referring to a functional disorder of the nervous system.
The term "neurosis" comes from the Greek word "neuros" meaning nerve, which was used to describe a condition characterized by emotional disturbances without any apparent physical cause.
In the early 19th century, the prefix "psycho-" was added to "neurosis" to emphasize the psychological aspect of the disorder, distinguishing it from disorders with clear physical causes. This addition recognized the understanding that psychological factors play a significant role in the manifestation and development of neurotic symptoms.
Overall, the word "psychoneurosis" denotes a disorder that involves both psychological and neurological aspects, reflecting the historical understanding of these conditions.
Similar spelling words for PSYCHONEUROSIS
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