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Neurosis

Definition

(psychology) A relatively mild mental disorder or condition, such as anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or hysteria, that is not caused by any physical disease but is instead a psychological response to stress, trauma, or other emotional pressures. Often used in the context of psychoanalytic theory to describe unconscious conflicts or repressed emotions that manifest in abnormal behaviour or thought patterns.

Example Sentences

1According to Freud, neurosis arises from the repression of unconscious desires or memories, which can only be resolved through therapeutic techniques like free association.
2The artist's use of bold colours and distorted forms was seen as a manifestation of her underlying neurosis, a desperate attempt to express the turmoil she felt within.
3While some critics argue that the novel is a scathing critique of societal norms, others see it as a deeply personal exploration of the author's own neurosis and emotional struggles.
4In the context of existentialist philosophy, neurosis can be seen as a fundamental aspect of the human condition, a response to the inherent meaninglessness and uncertainty of life.
5The psychiatrist's approach to treating neurosis emphasized the importance of exploring the patient's past experiences and relationships in order to uncover the underlying causes of their distress.

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