What is the differance between “neurosis” and “psychosis”?
The terms have less meaning now. They used to say a neurosis was mild and the person knew they were ill (eg depression and anxiety). A psychosis was serious and the person lacked insight and control (eg schizophrenia, bipolar mental illness). However some people suffering so-called neurosis can be severely ill. And people experiencing a psychosis can be aware they are ill and control their behaviour. You will be able to find text-book definitions quite easily, but the experience of mental illness is different. But don’t let me put you off. The neurosis/psychosis terminology is a good starting point for learning about the types of mental illness.
