Neuroticism And Health Issues

Neuroticism is a personality trait encompassing a disposition more susceptible to feeling negative emotions – such as fear, anxiety, anger, and depression – more intensely and/or frequently. While it is common for everyone to feel anxious or down at times, people who possess high levels of neuroticism tend to have an increased tendency to become stuck in these negative emotional states.

What is neuroticism as a personality trait?

Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by consistent feelings of insecurity, fearfulness, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability.

Individuals who experience signs of neuroticism may also be at a higher risk for developing mental illnesses and adverse physical health outcomes due to the impact of chronic stress. Understanding these personality traits has public health significance due to its ability to help individuals recognize an imbalance and improve their chances of seeking help. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of neuroticism include: 

• Proclivity for feeling easily overwhelmed or worried when stressed
• Difficulty regulating emotions 
• Quickness to become frustrated with one’s self or others  
• High levels of self-criticism 
• Tendency toward perfectionism 
• Fearful and apprehensive nature

Neurotic personality traits that may increase the risk of mental health disorders

While the term “neurotic” is outdated in psychology, it is still occasionally referred to by practitioners to assist with the development of a personalized treatment protocol. In modern practice, however, it describes certain personality traits that may signal an increased risk of developing various physical and mental disorders.

If you recognize these traits in yourself or a loved one, it may be worth considering reaching out to a professional if they make it difficult to lead a functional, healthy lifestyle. 

The link between neuroticism and health issues

People with higher levels of neuroticism often struggle to regulate their emotions and behavior. As a result, they may become overwhelmed by stress or anxious thoughts more easily than those with lower levels of neuroticism. The person may also be prone to rumination: the tendency to focus on negative experiences rather than positive ones. Ruminating thought patterns may significantly contribute to many undesirable health outcomes associated with neuroticism. 

The detrimental effects of neuroticism may lead to an overactive stress response that increases the risk for physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, insomnia, fatigue, or even heart disease. Excessive stress and worry may cause the body’s stress response to become stuck in a state of alertness, which may over-exhaust the body and lead to an increased risk of various mental and physical health concerns. 

One of the most common psychological disorders experienced by those with negative neuroticism is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday life events that may be difficult to escape.

People with higher levels of this trait tend to react more strongly when faced with difficult situations or stressful events. They may be unable to control their negative thoughts and feelings in these situations, leading them down a cycle of stress and negative thinking that may lead to depression or anxiety disorders. 

Neuroticism and risk of health issues like MDD and anxiety

High neuroticism has also been one of the risk factors associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is a severe form of depression that may significantly interfere with one’s ability to function normally in daily life if left untreated.

There is also evidence that shows there is a positive side to neuroticism as well. In other words, stress is not inherently negative. Some neurotic individuals may use their heightened anxiety as a motivator to live a healthier life, forms of stress may be helpful when used in a healthy, balanced manner to achieve goals, or stand up for their beliefs. 

In one study, researchers aimed to take a new look at neuroticism and identify the effects that different types of neuroticism had on overall health. They concluded that individuals who displayed negative neuroticism were at a greater risk for poor mental and physical health outcomes and found that those with neurotic tendencies related to vulnerability and worry about their own health actually demonstrated more positive health outcomes.

Thus, “neuroticism” is not a one-size-fits-all term – a spectrum of personality types may fit into this classification. For individuals who display a healthy level of worry regarding their health and vulnerability, these tendencies may help them feel more motivated to improve their behavior patterns to promote better mental and physical health. 

Working with a therapist may enable individuals to learn how to channel their energy into more positive thinking patterns that focus on what can be changed rather than ruminating on negative patterns that focus on factors that are out of one’s control. 

Why neuroticism is not always a health issue: natural negative emotions

Feelings of grief, trauma, and others may lead to negative emotions that are perfectly natural and do not always signify the presence of mental illness. While these feelings are common human reactions to trying times, when they become pervasive and persistent, they may indicate negative mental health outcomes such as generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder.

When negative emotions become too much

Grief is a common emotion in reaction to loss and is often accompanied by feelings such as sadness, loneliness, guilt, regret, and confusion. It is important to recognize that these feelings are expected following a loss; however, when grief becomes prolonged or intense, it can give way to depression or anxiety. Symptoms of depression and anxiety may include:

• Feeling overwhelmed with sadness for an extended period
• Experiencing changes in appetite
• Finding difficulty sleeping
• Lacking energy
• Struggling with concentration or focus
• Withdrawing from activities that were once enjoyable
• Having difficulty calming down

Whether you are experiencing the grieving process, the aftermath of trauma, or simply experiencing a difficult moment in life, it is helpful to be mindful of how long and how often you experience negative emotional states. Life is all about balance, and if the balance is almost always leaning towards negative feelings, sadness, and overall difficulty staying positive, it may be time to consider reaching out for professional help. 

Therapy for neuroticism 

In a study by the Journal of Personality, researchers looked at the mechanisms behind neuroticism that may lead to distress in the daily life of these individuals. Their team discovered that the reactions to the distressing situations were more important than the situation itself, illustrating the potential for a shift in perspective to benefit individuals who experience neurotic personality tendencies. 

CBT for neuroticism and health issues that may be associated with it

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used to help individuals with neuroticism learn mindfulness of their reactions to situations. CBT teaches individuals to shift their perspective and understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contributing to any situation. Through CBT, individuals can develop more awareness of how their beliefs and behavior affect their mental health. 

Online therapy

For some individuals, the persistent symptoms of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt may make it difficult to leave the house and relate their emotions in the in-person setting. Online therapy offers an easily accessible and discreet way to access these services that may help these individuals feel more comfortable opening up about their true feelings while receiving guidance on reframing their perspective and developing healthy coping strategies. 

Using platforms like BetterHelp, people can choose meeting formats that feel most comfortable: videoconferences, phone calls, and text messages. With no need to commute to an in-person therapist’s office, BetterHelp users can communicate with their dedicated counselors from home, an office, or any location with a secure internet connection.

Many studies confirm online CBT’s effectiveness in mitigating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Researchers have also found that online therapy is more accessible and cost-effective, which helps to improve access to care for many individuals who experience these symptoms. The linked study illustrates the ability of online therapy to help individuals reframe their perspectives and address the root causes of anxiety and depression.