Psychoneurotic

Psychoneurotic refers to a class of functional mental disorders involving distress but neither delusions nor hallucinations, whereby behavior is not outside socially acceptable norms. It is also known as neurotic disorder, and is less severe than psychotic disorders.

Definition

Psychoneurosis is a term that was historically used to refer to any disorder of the mind that does not involve gross distortion of reality. It is a functional disorder where an individual experiences inner struggle and disturbed relationship with the environment. The term is no longer used in psychiatric diagnosis.

Types of Psychoneurosis

There are several types of psychoneurosis:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): This disorder is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts and anxiety (obsessions) about something and the behaviors (compulsions) that people who suffer from the disorder use to relieve the anxiety.

• Anxiety disorder: This is a group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear.

• Hysteria: This is a type of psychoneurosis often manifesting itself by conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms (somatization) or a change in self-awareness (such as a fugue state or selective amnesia).

• Phobic disorder: This is characterized by an irrational, intense, persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things, or people.

• Depressive disorder: This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

Treatment

Treatment for psychoneurosis may involve psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can be effective in treating psychoneurosis. Medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers may also be used.

See also

• Psychosis
• Neurosis
• Mental disorder
• Psychiatry