EDITORS' INTRODUCTION

Although there have been concerns about the use of the term neurosis, which has been eliminated in DSM IV, the term has been retained in ICD-10 and used widely, although pejoratively at times. The prevalence of neurosis varies across cultures and the cultural pressures determine how these symptoms persist. The classical example of this is the use and diagnosis of the term neurasthenia. Used extensively in the Far East, China and other nations, the symptoms are not too dissimilar to depression or chronic fatigue and the diagnosis carries a social cachet.

In this chapter, Chaturvedi and Desai provide an overview of the concept of neurosis. They point out that neurosis is considered a maladaptive pattern of behaviour following a stressful situation which leads to an avoidance of responsibility and the stressful situation itself. They argue that there must be an evidence of stress, the reaction to the stress must be maladaptive and there should be an evidence of anxiety proneness. The anxiety provoking situations in the past should have resulted in excessive nervousness, depression or somatic symptoms. They point out that not only is the diagnosis influenced by culture but the importance given to symptoms and the meaning assigned by the clinician will depend upon culture. These symptoms may reflect a failure to cope but may also be a cry for help, requiring support and understanding from the friends, families and professionals.

Introduction

The term ‘neurosis’ has been ascribed various meanings and definitions.