primary gain


pri·mar·y gain

interpersonal, social, or financial advantages from the conversion of emotional stress directly into demonstrably organic illnesses (for example, hysterical blindness or paralysis). Compare: secondary gain.

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.

pri·mar·y gain

(prī'mar-ē gān) Interpersonal, social, or financial advantages from the conversion of emotional stress directly into illness (e.g., hysterical blindness or paralysis).
Compare: secondary gain

Primary gain

The immediate relief from guilt, anxiety, or other unpleasant feelings that a patient derives from a symptom.Mentioned in: Somatoform Disorders