Neurosis vs. Psychosis: Understanding the Differences

Fundamental Differences Between Neurosis and Psychosis

The fundamental difference between neurosis and psychosis is that "the nature of reality remains in the neurotic interpretation of reality" according to the ways and criteria of the typical living environment in which one has been educated, "while in psychotic illness," the individual's interpretation of reality is difficult to understand by those who belong to the same cultural environment. For the psychotic, the relationships between the various significant aspects of reality are not perceived safely. The psychotic has difficulty understanding who they are as a subject, as a person, with their body, and as a social individual.

Eysenk's Theory of Impulsivity and Criminality

Eysenk reconciled the concept of "thirst for adventure" with impulsiveness, not love of adventure, risk-taking, and lack of planning, and these traits are clearly prone to criminality.

Research statistics have also shown that there is a significant positive correlation between impulsivity and subjects with high scores on extraversion, neuroticism, and psychopathic traits.

Two Types of Impulsivity

• Impulsiveness with contempt in the assessment of risk or danger: This is often seen in young offenders.
• Reckless impulsive behavior: This involves accepting risk or danger knowingly, as seen in smugglers who are aware of their actions and potential consequences.

Pelechano and Ros's Diagnostic Discrimination of Offenders

Pelechano and Ros suggest that the diagnostic discrimination between offenders involves three variables:

1. A positive motivation toward action (wanting to do something).
2. States of anxiety that may be inhibiting or perturbing.
3. The subject's assessment of the concept of authority.

They also observed that in the general population, the first two variables of positive motivation and inhibitory anxiety are negatively correlated. However, in the offender population, they are positively correlated, meaning if one increases, so does the other.

World Health Organization's Classification of Personalities

Referring to normal behavior, the World Health Organization classifies certain personalities as distinct from other mentally ill individuals, such as psychotics and those with intellectual disabilities. It distinguishes four main groups:

• Group A: Actual personality disorder
• Group B: Sexual deviations
• Group C: Alcoholism
• Group D: Drug dependence