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A neurosis, in psychoanalytic theory, is an
ineffectual coping strategy that Sigmund Freud suggested was caused by
emotions from past experience overwhelming or interfering with present experience.
For example, someone attacked by a dog as a toddler may have a phobia or overwhelming
fear of dogs.
The word neurosis is derived from the Greek neuron (nerve) and osis (diseased or abnormal condition).
There are many different specific neuroses and many of them are named: pyromania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety neurosis,
and an endless variety of phobias.
Everyone has some neurotic symptoms and defense mechanisms which more or less successfully deal with anxiety. Defence
mechanisms which result in difficulties in living are termed neuroses and are treated by psychoanalysis, counselling or psychiatric techniques.
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