Meaning & Definition of word "Neurosis"

Neurosis

/njuˈrōsɪs/

1. A relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, characterized by excessive anxiety or insecurity.
- Example: Her tendency toward neurosis made it difficult for her to enjoy social gatherings.
2. A mental condition that may involve obsessive thoughts, anxiety, or phobias, but does not interfere significantly with one's ability to function in everyday life.
- Example: He was diagnosed with neurosis after struggling with persistent worry for several months.
3. A term used to describe a range of psychological disorders involving distress but not delusions or hallucinations.
- Example: The therapist explained that neurosis often stems from unresolved issues from the past.
4. A type of mental condition that is often treated with psychotherapy rather than medication.
- Example: Many patients with neurosis benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy.

From Greek 'neurosis', meaning 'sinew, nerve'.

neurotic behavior:

Actions or attitudes that are indicative of neurosis, often characterized by irrationality.

social neurosis:

Anxiety or discomfort in social settings, often linked to negative self-perception.

neurotic:

A person suffering from neurosis.

psychosis:

A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.

Meaning: Overthinking

Example Sentence: He's such an overthinker, it's like his brain is in a constant state of neurosis.

Meaning: Nerve wracking

Example Sentence: Job interviews can be so nerve wracking, it feels like pure neurosis.