primary gain

noun Psychiatry.

the removal of emotional conflict or relief of anxiety that is the immediate benefit of a defense mechanism or neurotic symptom.

Compare secondary gain.

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primary gain in Medicine

primary gain

n.

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

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.