A tentative classification of "neuroses" based on behavioristic consideration of the pathogenetic mechanisms

Abstract

Pathogenetic mechanisms of "neuroses" were reconsidered based on a behavioristic framework which includes not only the traditional stimulus-response learning theory but also the concept of conflict proposed by Lewin. Most of the subtypes of "neuroses"--with the exception of panic disorder--were divided into two categories: conditioned fear-related disorders and conflict-related disorders. Phobias have been suggested to be caused by an escape or avoidance behavior motivated by an unconditioned or conditioned fear and obsessive compulsive disorder by an avoidance behavior motivated by a conditioned fear, while such disorders as posttraumatic disorder or hypochondriasis (nosophobia) were considered to be direct manifestations of conditioned fear. Generalized anxiety and depersonalization disorders were suggested to be caused by conflicts, but these conflicts seemed to persist even after the appearance of the symptoms. In contrast, appearances of conversion, somatization, somatoform pain, psychogenic fugue, or psychogenic amnesia were suggested to result in a temporary attenuation of the causative conflicts.