compensation neurosis

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an unconscious attempt to retain physical or psychological symptoms of illness when some advantage may be obtained ( malingering ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of compensation neurosis¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

He called that hypothetical phenomenon "compensation neurosis," and said its existence has been debated since at least the 1880s when a German researcher found that the number of people who reported being injured in railway accidents skyrocketed after the government started paying compensation for such injuries.

From New York Times

He adds many patients developed "compensation neurosis": unable to do anything but wait for help that never came, or was insufficient when it did, they became consumed by bitterness, alienation and a feeling of worthlessness that frequently turned suicidal.

From Time Magazine Archive