The term structure allows us to study the subject of psychoanalytic psychopathology in an integral and simple way.

Let us know that the symptoms (which are the main reason for consultation when someone goes to a psychoanalyst) generally refer to one of several symptomatic structures, and that neurosis is one of them .

Thus, that which is known as “symptom” is a phenomenon that we could label as universal, which we all, at one time or another, experience in a subjective way and produce sensations of discomfort, in addition to being unpleasant and/or painful.

It should be stressed that our “symptom” (which causes us discomfort) is easy for anyone to understand and/or identify, since it is a conscious experience of which we are aware.However, its effects (that which we perceive on the basis of our own subjectivity) are more intense when experienced by someone suffering from neurosis.

Symptom, syndrome, and disorder

Let’s make a differentiation of the above taking as a parameter other pathological structures.

In the most severe clinical cases, such as psychosis , the symptoms are usually stranger and more incomprehensible (unlike neurosis), due to the presence of severe sensory, perceptual and interpretative distortions by the subject.

On the other hand, if several symptoms are grouped under a fixed and defined pattern, presenting in the same way in different patients, then we get what we know as “syndrome” (depressive, for example). But if the patient’s condition is severe and his subjective discomfort considerably alters his psychic balance, disturbing his normal functioning, this becomes a “disorder” .

Let us be clear that the individual way of adapting and defending ourselves from the demands of our reality will influence neuroses more than other pathological schemes.

From normality to neurosis

Let us remember that the separation between normality and neurosis or other mental disorders is not only a nosological problem (which describes, differentiates and classifies illnesses), but also one of magnitude. In other words, the differentiation between normality and discomfort depends both on the extent of the pathology and on the characteristics of a given psychodynamic picture .

At this point (and based on the above), we can consider as valid the term of individual susceptibility, that is, of psychic predisposition.

The structure of neurosis

The characteristics of a neurotic personality are identified by presenting an intense sense of internal conflict, as well as a great difficulty in harmonizing impulses, desires, norms and consciousness of reality, which we can translate as a life centered on anguish and insecurity.

Moreover, the configuration of a neurotic structure has its beginning in the events of the individual’s original affective relationship , in the way he handles his aggressiveness and sexuality, and also in his need for self-affirmation and self-evaluation.

On the other hand, the origin of a neurotic structure is highly related to the individual’s oedipal fixations, which (by their very nature) give rise to various fears, faults, doubts and anxieties about various events considered to be stressful in a relationship, family conflicts or work difficulties.

As a consequence of the above, the individual with a neurotic structure develops a dependence on the affection and esteem that others can provide him/her , regardless of the value that they attribute to him/her or the importance that they attribute to the subject.

Neurosis and Affectivity

The term structure allows us to study the subject of psychoanalytic psychopathology in an integral and simple way.

Let us know that the symptoms (which are the main reason for consultation when someone goes to a psychoanalyst) generally refer to one of several symptomatic structures, and that neurosis is one of them .

Thus, that which is known as “symptom” is a phenomenon that we could label as universal, which we all, at one time or another, experience in a subjective way and produce sensations of discomfort, in addition to being unpleasant and/or painful.

It should be stressed that our “symptom” (which causes us discomfort) is easy for anyone to understand and/or identify, since it is a conscious experience of which we are aware. However, its effects (that which we perceive on the basis of our own subjectivity) are more intense when experienced by someone suffering from neurosis.

Symptom, syndrome, and disorder

Let’s make a differentiation of the above taking as a parameter other pathological structures.

In the most severe clinical cases, such as psychosis , the symptoms are usually stranger and more incomprehensible (unlike neurosis), due to the presence of severe sensory, perceptual and interpretative distortions by the subject.

On the other hand, if several symptoms are grouped under a fixed and defined pattern, presenting in the same way in different patients, then we get what we know as “syndrome” (depressive, for example).
But if the patient’s condition is severe and his subjective discomfort considerably alters his psychic balance, disturbing his normal functioning, this becomes a “disorder” .

Let us be clear that the individual way of adapting and defending ourselves from the demands of our reality will influence neuroses more than other pathological schemes.

From normality to neurosis

Let us remember that the separation between normality and neurosis or other mental disorders is not only a nosological problem (which describes, differentiates and classifies illnesses), but also one of magnitude. In other words, the differentiation between normality and discomfort depends both on the extent of the pathology and on the characteristics of a given psychodynamic picture .

At this point (and based on the above), we can consider as valid the term of individual susceptibility, that is, of psychic predisposition.

The structure of neurosis

The characteristics of a neurotic personality are identified by presenting an intense sense of internal conflict, as well as a great difficulty in harmonizing impulses, desires, norms and consciousness of reality, which we can translate as a life centered on anguish and insecurity.

Moreover, the configuration of a neurotic structure has its beginning in the events of the individual’s original affective relationship , in the way he handles his aggressiveness and sexuality, and also in his need for self-affirmation and self-evaluation.

Generally, no neurotic individual clearly identifies his or her distress, among other reasons, because the more threatened he or she feels, the less he or she will accept that something is wrong inside and (therefore) must be changed.

An indicator of pathological characteristics

Let us know that, the neurotic structure of a person is the antechamber of all neuroses and the determinant of their pathological characteristics.

Although the symptoms often vary from person to person or are even absent altogether, the treatment of distress is of great importance, as it contains the root of the conflict and concentrates its own psychological suffering.

Let us also remember that, among the symptoms of the different existing neuroses, the similarities between them are more important than the present discrepancies . These differences lie in the mechanisms used to solve the problems. On the other hand, the similarities have to do with the content of the conflict and the disturbance of development.

Note: if you think you are suffering from a mental disorder, the first professional you should see is your family doctor. He or she will be able to determine whether the symptoms that set off your alarm lights are due to psychopathology, a medical condition, or both. If a psychological condition is finally diagnosed, the next step is to consult a mental health professional.