Neurosis 101
Karen Horney (1885–1952)— probably the most mother-like figure in psychoanalysis — has introduced her Theory of Neurosis guided by her experience as an analyst, and in opposition with many views upon it at that time.
She identified 10 neurotic needs and clustered them into 3 types of neurotics. For these to make sense, we’ll first explain the fundamentals of neurosis, in short.
At the root of neurosis lays an unresolved, even unidentified conflict, often ignored and covered up with attempts at resolving its symptoms. The truly potent conflicts, which have the power to lead to neurosis, are based on values, needs, and convictions. We may feel the desire to be in accord with a specific group of people, yet ethics dictate otherwise. Is our desire for belonging more powerful than principle? We may wish to be in the presence of our lover when somebody close needs care. Is duty more important than our very need for affection?
To be in conflict is only neurotic when it gains the power to change behavior and character to the very root of personality itself. When it leads to instability, inconsistency, fatigue, or even depression, a conflict gains enough momentum and infects enough of our mind to become neurotic. The issue here is, one consciously feels just anger, fear, exhaustion, entirely clueless of its underlying source, and tends to fight it aimlessly with sleep, holidays…
