The general meaning is reflected by the roots of
the word: aut-= self, and -ism = orientation or state. Hence, the tendency to be
absorbed in oneself; a condition in which one's thoughts, feelings, and desires
are governed by one's internal apprehensions of the world. The term implies that
the internal state is in conflict with reality and that the individual sees
things in terms of fantasies and dreams, wishes, and hopes, rather than in terms
of a reality shared by and with others. The term was originally coined by E.
Bleuler for schizophrenia.