Book Description

Neurosis refers to a mental illness which affects everyone to a greater or lesser extent, yet very little, if anything, is known about it. In contrast, the other mental illness, psychosis, is well known although quite rare. The two are entirely different in incidence, cause, signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention. The book is written in lay language to disclose the mystery of neurosis and clearly distinguish it from psychosis, the lay term for which is "crazy". Unfortunately, through ignorance the term crazy may be applied to those suffering from neurosis. A plea is made for the abandonment of the unwarranted stigma associated with both illnesses. Neurosis is caused by psychic trauma in the past which is stored in the subconscious where it has a negative influence on the conscious in the present. Neurosis is the illness, psychic trauma its cause and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) its manifestation. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of an illness is crucial to its recognition, as is knowledge of its cause to its prevention. Faulty parenting is the most common, but not only, cause of neurosis. Sub-optimal parenting is universal through lack of appropriate training, education or experience. As everyone has or has had a parent or two the consequent neurosis is ubiquitous. The treatment of neurosis is talk therapy of which there are many forms available. A little known, but highly effective, talk therapy entitled Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is described in detail along with an explanation of the reason for its effectiveness. Unfortunately, most individuals with neurosis today are treated with drug therapy (anti-depressants or tranquilizers for anxiety ). This treatment is effortless, lucrative, non-curative and may be accompanied by burdensome side effects. The main beneficiary is it pharmaceutical industry. Suggestions of what to expect from the therapist are offered with the warning to reconsider pleasant friendly sessions lasting years or even decades. Good therapy should be stressful, completed within one year and certainly within two years in the case of fragile or highly resistant patients.