Neurosis

V

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder consists of the persistent intrusion of unwelcome thoughts or impulses (obsessions) and irresistible urges (compulsions) to carry out particular actions or rituals that reduce anxiety. Both of these characteristics are almost always present in the disorder. For example, a person may be obsessed with the idea that his house is going to be burgled and the family attacked, and he may check repeatedly that all the windows and doors are locked. The most common compulsions are checking things and washing. These actions may be performed hundreds of times each day.

VI

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder occurs during childhood, and is an irrational fear of being separated from one’s parents. Often people who are agoraphobic in adult life suffered from separation anxiety as a child.

VII

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The term “post-traumatic stress disorder” was coined following the Vietnam War to describe the psychological symptoms experienced by veterans of the war following their return home. In World War I soldiers were described as having “shell-shock” and in World War II they were said to have “combat fatigue”. Post-traumatic stress disorder, however, can be used to describe symptoms following any type of disaster outside the normal human experience, such as an air crash or natural disaster.

The symptoms include reliving events that occurred during the trauma; sleep disturbances, including nightmares and insomnia; anxiety; detachment from normal surroundings; and a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed.

VIII

Multiple Personality

Multiple personality is an extremely rare disorder in which two or more personalities exist within the same person. Often one personality is unaware of events that occur while the other personality is dominant, leading to periods of amnesia. This disorder commonly occurs following an extremely traumatic childhood experience.

IX

Treatment of Neuroses

Most neuroses are treated by psychoanalysis or other forms of dynamic psychotherapy. They can also be treated by behavioural modification, hypnotherapy, or psychotropic medication. Some neuroses respond well to treatment and their disruptive effect can be greatly reduced.