Institutional neurosis – Its causes and remedy

Abstract

The term ‘Institutional Neurosis” was coined by Russell Barton in 1959. The adjective ‘institutional’ does not imply that institutions are the only cause of the disorder, but Signifies only that institutions are the places where it was first generally recognised, By no means all people in institutions develop it, and probably hermits, some housewives, and old age pensioners are affected with similar symptoms although living alone. The term ‘neurosis’ is used rather than the ‘psychosis’ since the syndrome itself does not interfere with the Patient’s ability to distinguish between reality and phantasy. ‘Neurosis’ is used in a general descriptive sense. It describes symptoms and signs not psychodynamic hypotheses.

Keywords: Institutional neurosis