primary gain (redirected from Psychological gain)

gain (gān) to acquire, obtain, or increase.

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antigen gain  the acquisition by cells of new antigenic determinants not normally present or not normally accessible in the parent tissue.

primary gain  the direct alleviation of anxiety by a defense mechanism; the relief from emotional conflict or tension provided by neurotic symptoms or illness.

secondary gain  external and incidental advantage derived from an illness, such as rest, gifts, personal attention, release from responsibility, and disability benefits.

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primary gain

n.

Alleviation of anxiety that results from conversion of emotional conflict into demonstrably organic illnesses.

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Primary gain

The immediate relief from guilt, anxiety, or other unpleasant feelings that a patient derives from a symptom.

Mentioned in: Somatoform Disorders

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primary gain,

a benefit, primarily relief from emotional conflict and freedom from anxiety, attained through the use of a defense mechanism or other psychologic process. Compare secondary gain.

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primary gain

Psychiatry An emotional gain directly from illness–eg, alleviation of anxiety in neurosis by 'converting' emotions into an organic disease, a defense mechanism–eg, hysterical dysphonia. Cf Secondary gain.