e. Depressive Neurosis. It is difficult to distinguish between "normal
depression" and "abnormal depression" which could be termed depressive neurosis.
From time to time, very well adjusted people feel sad, discouraged, pessimistic, and a
sense of hopelessness. When these feelings all come together, we say we have the
"blues." Such feelings usually go away on their own and we get on with our lives. A
state of neurotic depression is different in that this type of depression is more severe
and lasts longer. Additionally, a person suffering from a depressive neurosis does not
bounce back to normal after a reasonable period of time. Usually, a traumatic event led
to the depression, an event the person can relate. A patient may exhibit the following
signs and symptoms:
(1)
A high level of anxiety.
(2)
Apprehensiveness.
(3)
Much less activity.
(4)
(5)
Fewer interests.
(6)
1-5.
PSYCHOTIC BEHAVIOR
a. Definition. Just as there is no real line between "normal" and "neurotic"
behavior, there is no definite line between "neurotic" and "psychotic" behavior. A
person suffering from psychosis has a severe mental illness marked by loss of contact
with reality. On the other hand, the person suffering from a neurosis has only a minimal
loss of contact with reality but has emotional problems that may impair his thinking and
judgment.
b. Characteristics. Among typical characteristics of psychotic behavior shown
by the psychotic person are the following:
(1)
Inability to relate to reality.
(2)
Inability to differentiate between the real and the unreal.
Usually, complete loss of insight.
(3)
c. Cause of Psychoses. Four types of psychoses are associated with physical
conditions: alcoholic psychosis; drug or poison intoxification; fever or infection; and
cerebral conditions.
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