Definition of neurosis

The word "neurosis" has a fascinating history. The term was coined in the late 19th century by the German psychiatrist Ernst von Feuchtersleben. Feuchtersleben drew inspiration from the Greek words "neuron" (nerve) and "osis" (disease or condition). He used "neurosis" to describe a group of mental disorders characterized by emotional distress, anxiety, and emotional instability, but not necessarily involving loss of cognitive function or communication. Initially, neurosis was seen as a milder mental disorder, distinct from psychosis. However, over time, the term lost its precision, and it became synonymous with any type of mental disorder that wasn't a psychosis. Today, the term is mostly archaic, and most mental health professionals use more specific terms, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or personality disorders, to describe these conditions. Despite its limited use, the term "neurosis" continues to evoke a sense of historical significance and foreboding in the public imagination.