Neurosis
Neurosis is a non-clinical term describing a spectrum of mental disorders that cause significant anxiety or severe emotional symptoms. These include irrational fears, intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or dissociation (disconnection from self or the world around you).
Neurosis is not a clinical diagnosis or included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Neurosis is generally regarded as an exaggerated and unconscious reaction to internal conflicts and the resulting anxiety. Most disorders that used to be called “neuroses” are now considered anxiety disorders included in the DSM-5.
Types of neurotic behavior
Neurosis can be considered any behavior characterized by anxiety and excessive emotional worry. The behavior is often perceived as exaggerated or disproportionate.
Examples of neurotic behavior are:
- Anxiety and fear;
- Excessive worry and guilt;
- Tendency toward negative emotions and reactions;
- Irritation and anger;
- Low self-esteem and self-awareness;
- Poor response to stress;
- Perception of everyday situations as dangerous;
- Depression;
- Emotional instability.
Prevalence
A study conducted in Xi'an, China, showed that the estimated lifetime prevalence of neurotic disorders (the total number of people in the population with the disorder in their lifetime) is 10.8%. Specific phobias (5.7 %), obsessive-compulsive disorders (3.8 %) and social phobias (1.3 %) were the most common subtypes.
Neurosis and mental health
Although neurosis is not a clinical diagnosis, it causes distress that negatively affects human relationships and a person's quality of life.
Anxiety
Neurosis broadly refers to a spectrum of mental disorders, most of which fall under the category of anxiety disorders. This distinction is important because there are specific treatment guidelines for anxiety disorders but not for neurosis.
Although anxiety is a normal response to everyday stress, an anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or worry that a person cannot control.
Examples of anxiety disorders are:
- Agoraphobia;
- Separation anxiety disorder;
- Generalized anxiety disorder;
- Specific phobia;
- Social anxiety disorder;
- Panic disorder.
Complications
If left untreated, neurosis can become a more serious health problem, as neuroticism negatively affects your mental health and ability to function in daily life.
Physical complications over time can include:
- heart problems;
- immune system dysfunction;
- asthma;
- eczema;
- irritable bowel syndrome.
Neurosis can also cause other health complications, including:
- marital dissatisfaction;
- decreased ability to work;
- increased susceptibility to eating disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.
Causes
Researchers have identified hypothesized factors that contribute to neuroticism development and may independently or jointly damage a person's emotional stability.
Genetics
Having a history of hereditary neurosis increases the risk of developing the condition. Studies have shown that neurosis as a personality trait is associated with specific genetic variations in 48% of cases. These genetic variations are also found in people with anxiety disorders and specific phobias.
Treatment
If neurosis is caused by a mental health disorder, one or more treatments may be prescribed.
Medications
A doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medication to reduce the symptoms of neuroticism associated with disorders such as anxiety disorders or depression. Specifically:
Anti-anxiety medications/tranquilizers - these medications reduce anxiety and related symptoms such as nervousness and restlessness.
Antidepressants - drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be used to treat symptoms of depression.
Psychotherapy
Various forms of talk therapy, including cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT), can help resolve negative thought patterns and change a person's behavior.
Lifestyle changes
Coping with one's neurotic behavior can be tedious, but practicing self-reflection and becoming aware of what may be causing the behavior is very important in managing neuroticism.
This can be done in the following ways:
- Keep a diary: Keeping a diary will help you better express and organize your thoughts when you are under stress. It will also help you identify stress triggers (including people, places or events) so that you can avoid them.
- Get enough sleep: Anxiety can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, which in turn contributes to sleep disturbances and anxiety. By improving your sleep patterns (regular hours of sleep and other practices), you can better manage stress.
- Practice deep breathing: The deep breathing exercises used in yoga help relieve stress by focusing on breathing patterns.
