patterns. Sometimes it is expanding the scope of a defense mechanism, sometimes it is a whole new behavioral quirk prompted by the anxiety created by our lack of control over our lives. Here are some common types of neurotic adjustments.
âThe conversion reaction or hysteria is an abnormality in which a person converts unacceptable impulses into physical symptoms. A person who unconsciously does not want sex may feel that the sex organs have no feeling. Or a person may become psychologically deaf, blind, or paralyzed in order to shut off the possibility of having to hear, see, or move in a situation that is undesirable. The other extreme of this reaction occurs when a person hallucinates voices or visions in order to enhance a neurotic adjustment
âPsychosomatic illnesses are a similar kind of problem. They are not unusual. It has been estimated that perhaps half of all asthma attacks are psychological in origin. So are many allergies.
âThe depressive reaction is quite common. It occurs when the person exhibits low energy, minor insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, and the inability to concentrate. It is brought on by a belief in one's own helplessness, a lack of self respect, or a feeling that things will never be any better. Most of these depressions will dissipate and dis appear in time, usually within a few weeks to a year. These feelings will often come and go over the years.
âA few years ago a nation-wide study in your country reported that nearly one person in 20, between the ages of 15 and 54, had suffered a major depressive reaction within the last month. Depression in this study was defined as being depressed all or most of every day for at least two weeks. The fewest depressive episodes were in the age group of 45 to 50. The highest number of episodes were recorded in women of African-American decent between the ages of 35 and 44. But for all ethnic
âThe conversion reaction or hysteria is an abnormality in which a person converts unacceptable impulses into physical symptoms. A person who unconsciously does not want sex may feel that the sex organs have no feeling. Or a person may become psychologically deaf, blind, or paralyzed in order to shut off the possibility of having to hear, see, or move in a situation that is undesirable. The other extreme of this reaction occurs when a person hallucinates voices or visions in order to enhance a neurotic adjustment
âPsychosomatic illnesses are a similar kind of problem. They are not unusual. It has been estimated that perhaps half of all asthma attacks are psychological in origin. So are many allergies.
âThe depressive reaction is quite common. It occurs when the person exhibits low energy, minor insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, and the inability to concentrate. It is brought on by a belief in one's own helplessness, a lack of self respect, or a feeling that things will never be any better. Most of these depressions will dissipate and dis appear in time, usually within a few weeks to a year. These feelings will often come and go over the years.
âA few years ago a nation-wide study in your country reported that nearly one person in 20, between the ages of 15 and 54, had suffered a major depressive reaction within the last month. Depression in this study was defined as being depressed all or most of every day for at least two weeks. The fewest depressive episodes were in the age group of 45 to 50. The highest number of episodes were recorded in women of African-American decent between the ages of 35 and 44. But for all ethnic