The Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis

by Otto Fenichel, Leo Rangell

A perennially best-selling and influential psychoanalytic work.

When Otto Fenichel died suddenly at age 48, Anna Freud mourned the loss of "his inexhaustible knowledge of psychoanalysis and his inimitable way of organizing and presenting his facts." These qualities shine in his classic text, which has been a beacon to generations of psychoanalysts. Investigating the relationship between biological needs and external influences—the tensions and inhibitions that nurture neuroses—Fenichel concludes that "neuroses are social diseases," arising from the demands of civilization on the developing organism. For this 50th anniversary edition, distinguished psychoanalyst Leo Rangell has written an introduction to set the context of Fenichel's work and an epilogue to describe its influence.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Reference

743 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1945

Reviews

[Mariana Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitivamente un libro de consulta, pero vale la pena leer todo completo al menos 1 vez en la vida (y olvidarte de su existencia un rato..)

[Ricardo Acuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

De los mejores libros que existen sobre la Neurosis, en donde se expone de manera clara, profunda y extensa la teoría psicoanalítica de la neurosis. Es definitivamente un libro de cabecera, para consultarse de manera continua y servir de apoyo en la práctica terapéutica. Aunque las teorías de psicoanalíticas resultan controversiales, en el tema de las neurosis, siguen siendo aún muy vigentes. Sin duda un excelente libro, muy recomendable.

[Anna Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why the 3 stars instead of 5, you say? Well, it's actually hard to rate this book. Fenichel is a genius, no doubt about it, and his Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis is simply one of the best in the topic. However, the book is not so *enjoyable* to read. Some textbooks are pretty enjoyable (no kidding), but Fenichel's Neurosis isn't one of them.

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering the times, Fenichel did an excellent compendium of the up to date psychoanalytic discoveries while mainting a critique to capitalism.

By far better than all the freudian encyclopedias and with insightful social commentary.

Granted, it ain't perfect (it has some vices and adherence to the fruedian school), but, from all that I've read, it's the most complete book of psychoanalytic theory.

[Michael Kulyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant and comprehensive account of classical Freudian developmental theory in relation to a broad spectrum of pathologies. They'll still be reading it in 200 years time-superb.