[The so-called "compensation neurosis"--psychopathologic syndrome or obsolete concept?].

The problems of the muddy concept of "compensation neurosis" are demonstrated under different aspects. The following fields are discussed: terminological questions, clinical picture including psychodynamic reflections and approaches as to the course, the legal bases in the Federal Republic of Germany, in particular for the legal annuity insurance and accident insurance, and the expert's problems when giving his opinion. It is suggested no longer to use the vague and inexact formulation "compensation neurosis", but a detailed description of the symptom complex and the personality as well as the outer and inner situation should be strived after. Tasks of research are mentioned that still require to be tackled.