What Is A Neurotic Disorder In Mental Health?
If you’ve ever heard someone described as “neurotic,” you may have a negative connotation with neurotic disorders. The term neuroticism, or a neurotic personality, may be associated with several concepts, including the Big Five Personality Traits. However, in psychiatry, it typically refers to a specific personality trait associated with high levels of moodiness and frustration.
Neurotic disorders, on the other hand, are a particular category of common mental conditions that include anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorders like major depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Due to the inward focus of their symptoms, some of these may also be considered “internalizing disorders.” While the term “neurotic disorders” may no longer be commonly used, these conditions were originally placed in this category by the American Psychiatric Association in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
If you are living with one or more neurotic disorders, online therapy may help. Connecting with a therapist online, using psychological approaches, may help you learn to manage your mental health symptoms, reduce distress, and improve your quality of life. Treatment may focus on the emotional and physical aspects of the disorders, the impact on the nervous system, and how they affect relationships or cause individuals to lose touch with reality.
What are neurotic disorders?
Neurotic disorders are a subset of mental health disorders characterized by an inability to manage everyday life. According to research in the field of psychiatric epidemiology, the total lifetime prevalence of neurotic disorders was 10.8% (among study participants.) Unlike some psychiatric conditions, people living with neurosis are firmly established in reality, but they may have difficulty coping with stressful situations or certain emotions.
A person with a neurotic disorder has difficulty adapting to changes
Neurotic behaviors may be an impediment that could prevent a person from properly adapting to their environment. Some people living with a neurotic disorder may have low self-esteem or struggle to cope with change. Neurotic behavior may make it difficult to get help since getting treatment requires making changes in their daily life.
Treating a neurotic disorder
If you’re living with a neurotic disorder, there are many different treatment options that can help you move forward from your symptoms. In most cases, treatments can be obtained from a medical provider, like a psychiatrist, or from a licensed psychologist or counselor. Treatment options may include:
- Medication
- Cognitive behavioral therapy— a specific type of therapy that trains your brain to respond differently in stressful situations
- Relaxation exercises
Therapy and lifestyle modifications to improve mental health
Other types of therapy, including talk therapy, art therapy, or music therapy, can help individuals with neurotic disorders learn to combat intrusive or negative thoughts. Changing your lifestyle may also help you take control of your symptoms. Certain lifestyle modifications may help, including:
- Exercising consistently. Exercise increases your body’s production of brain chemicals like dopamine, which may improve your happiness level.
- Finding social support. Attending support groups or talking to friends and family about what you’re going through may improve your mental health symptoms.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation can help reduce stress and improve your mental health challenges.
Types of neurotic disorders
Neurotic disorders are some of the most common mental health challenges. They include:
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and trouble controlling feelings of worry. About 3.1% of people in the U.S. are living with anxiety. People with anxiety may experience symptoms for months or years, and their symptoms may interfere with daily functioning.
Depression
Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S.; around 8.4% of adults have experienced a major depressive episode. Depressed people may experience energy changes, loneliness, difficulty concentrating, or persistent sadness, regardless of their life circumstances.
Phobias
Phobias are extreme fears that may be rational or irrational. Each phobia has a different name; for instance, someone who is afraid of vomiting is said to be “emetophobic,” while someone who is afraid of leaving the house is said to be “agoraphobic.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 12.5% of adults in the U.S. will experience a specific phobia at some time throughout their lifetime.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
People living with OCD may frequently experience negative, involuntary, intrusive, and obsessive thoughts that impact their behavior. For example, a person with OCD may experience a sudden and involuntary thought that they left the stove on, leaving their home at risk of burning down. To make sure their home is safe, they may be compelled to check to see whether their stove is off. Even after confirming it’s turned off, they may keep turning the stove on and off to ease their feelings of anxiety. These behaviors may impact their daily life by making it difficult to leave home or to be on time for commitments like work or appointments. About 1.2% of adults in the U.S. have experienced OCD symptoms in the last year.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is a specific type of anxiety disorder that may be experienced by people who have lived through a traumatic event. About 6% of adults will experience PTSD at some point throughout their lifetime. PTSD may cause flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic experience as well as symptoms of depression like loneliness and fear. While PTSD is most commonly associated with veterans, it may affect anyone who has experienced some sort of trauma in their life.
Neurosis vs. psychosis
Some people may confuse the term neurosis with the term psychosis. Although these terms sound similar, they are ultimately very different mental health symptoms. Neurosis is a condition where an individual reacts to life’s challenges with an unusually strong response— usually fear, anxiety, or sadness. Although people with neurotic disorders may have a tendency to experience intrusive thoughts, their thinking remains grounded in reality.
Those experiencing psychosis have difficulty separating what’s real from what’s not. They may experience delusions or hallucinations or hear voices that aren’t there. During a psychotic episode, individuals may be unable to distinguish reality from their intrusive thoughts.
Psychosis may have several different origins. For instance, it can be the product of a person’s environment, a result of certain risk factors like brain injury, or the sign of other mental illnesses like schizophrenia. It can even be caused by things like sleep deprivation or the use of drugs and alcohol. In some cases, people in the postpartum period can experience a form of psychosis known as “postpartum psychosis” which occurs a few weeks after giving birth to a child.
If an individual is experiencing psychosis, it’s important for them to get treatment as soon as possible. A delay in treatment may increase the risk that they will harm themselves or others. Early signs of psychosis can include:
- A lack of care for personal hygiene
- Preferring to be alone
- Emotions that are either too strong or nonexistent
- Difficulty concentrating
- A decline in school or work performance
If early psychotic symptoms are not recognized, a psychotic episode may occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to report them to a medical provider, as they may indicate a psychotic episode is occurring:
- Experiencing a taste, sound, or vision that others don't
- Having strong emotions, no emotions at all, or emotions that are inappropriate for the situation
- Being plagued by persistent beliefs that are denied by family or friends
- Avoiding loved ones
Online therapy for neurotic disorder and other mental health disorders
Whether you’re experiencing a neurotic disorder, psychosis, or another mental health condition, online therapy may help you learn how to manage your symptoms and cope with challenges in your daily life. Online therapy is a supportive treatment modality for people who have trouble coping with change since treatment can be obtained from a safe, comfortable space, like your home. You can start the process of getting support by connecting with a professional through BetterHelp, an online therapy platform. Since treatment is obtained from the safety of your home, you may feel more comfortable opening up and discussing personal details about your life.
The efficacy of online therapy for mental disorders
Many people with mental health challenges use online therapy to help them overcome their symptoms and change their thought patterns. In one study of 1,500 patients experiencing neurotic disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helped individuals achieve large short-term reductions in symptoms for up to a year post-treatment. In another unrelated study published in the Schizophrenia Bulletin (Oxford University Press) 93% of participants found an online mode of service delivery to be at least somewhat useful in helping them manage their symptoms of psychosis.
With a proven track record to show for it, online therapy could be a viable option for the mental health challenges you’re facing.
Takeaway
What are the limitations of neuroticism?
Neuroticism is a personality trait associated with a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. While neuroticism has its strengths, it also has limitations that can impact an individual's well-being and functioning. Some of these limitations include:
- Emotional Instability: High levels of neuroticism can lead to emotional instability, making it challenging to manage emotions effectively. This can result in mood swings and difficulties in maintaining emotional balance.
- Stress Sensitivity: Individuals high in neuroticism are more prone to experiencing stress and may find it harder to cope with everyday challenges and setbacks. They may perceive situations as more stressful than they actually are.
- Exaggerated Responses: Neurotic individuals might react more strongly to minor stressors, blowing situations out of proportion and experiencing heightened emotional responses.
- Relationship Challenges: Excessive neuroticism can strain relationships as constant negative emotions and mood fluctuations may affect interactions with others. It can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Anxiety and Depression: High neuroticism is linked to an increased risk of anxiety disorders and depressive episodes. These mental health conditions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Neuroticism, one of the personality traits, is normal
While neuroticism has its limitations, it is also a normal and natural personality trait. Some degree of neuroticism is common in everyone, and it can have adaptive functions by alerting individuals to potential threats and motivating them to address challenges. If the limitations of neuroticism are interfering with your daily life, seeking support and primary care from mental health professionals can provide strategies to manage its impact and improve overall well-being.
How do you manage neurotic disorder?
It's important to clarify that "neurotic disorder" is not a recognized diagnostic term or mental disorder in modern psychology and psychiatry. Managing symptoms related to neuroticism, which is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions, anxiety, and mood fluctuations, here are some strategies that can help:
- Self-Awareness: Recognize and accept your tendencies toward negative emotions and anxiety. Self-awareness is the first step in managing these feelings effectively.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to respond to them in a balanced and non-reactive manner.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more balanced and rational thinking.
- Stress Management: Learn and practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, to reduce overall stress levels.
- Positive Psychology: Focus on building positive emotions and strengths. Engage in activities that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize routine exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and staying hydrated, as these factors can significantly impact mood and overall well-being.
- Social Support: Cultivate a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your feelings can provide emotional relief and a fresh perspective.
- Seek Professional Help: If your neurotic tendencies are significantly impacting your daily life, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional. Therapy, such as CBT, can help you develop effective coping strategies.
What do all neurotic disorders like anxiety disorder and depression have in common?
Neurotic disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and heightened stress responses. While each neurotic disorder has its own distinct features and diagnostic criteria, they have some common characteristics:
- Negative Emotional Patterns: All neurotic disorders involve patterns of negative emotions that go beyond typical levels of stress, worry, or sadness. These emotions can interfere with daily functioning and overall well-being.
- Distorted Thinking: Individuals with neurotic disorders often experience distorted thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing, overgeneralization, and excessive self-criticism.
- Avoidance and Safety Behaviors: People with neurotic disorders tend to engage in avoidance behaviors or develop safety mechanisms to cope with their negative emotions. This can lead to limitations in their activities and interactions.
- Impact on Functioning: Neurotic disorders can impair various aspects of a person's life, including relationships, work, school, and daily activities.
- Physical Symptoms: Many neurotic disorders are associated with physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, and sleep disturbances.
- Increased Stress Reactivity:According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, individuals with neurotic disorders may have a heightened stress response, which can lead to increased vulnerability to triggers that may not be as distressing for others.
- Exaggerated Responses: Emotions and reactions may be more intense and longer-lasting than what would be considered proportionate in non-neurotic individuals.
- Co-Occurrence: Neurotic disorders can often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Chronicity: Neurotic disorders can become chronic if not properly managed or treated, impacting a person's well-being over a long period of time.
Mental disorders like depression and anxiety are unique in their presentation
According to the International Classification of Diseases from the World Health Organization, while neurotic disorders have common features, each disorder is unique in its presentation, diagnostic criteria, and specific treatment approaches. These disorders can be effectively managed and treated through psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Is neuroticism stable throughout life?
Neuroticism and phobic neuroses display a degree of stability throughout life, yet they also exhibit some changes over time. Generally, individuals who score high on neuroticism in early adulthood tend to maintain a certain level of this trait as they age. However, moderate changes can occur as individuals mature and gain life experience. Research suggests that neuroticism may decrease slightly as people move into middle and later adulthood, potentially due to improved coping skills and emotional control and management.
Major life events, personal achievements, and cultural influences can influence the expression of neuroticism, causing temporary increases or decreases in response to various circumstances. Genetics, environmental factors, and individual differences contribute to the overall trajectory of neuroticism. If neuroticism is affecting well-being, seeking professional support can provide guidance on managing its impact effectively.
What is the neurotic need to restrict one's life?
The neurotic need to restrict one's life is a concept introduced by psychoanalyst Karen Horney, who explored various ways in which individuals might cope with their underlying feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. According to Horney's theory, individuals with this neurotic need have a strong inclination to limit their experiences, interactions, and activities in an attempt to create a sense of safety and control.
This neurotic need can manifest in several ways:
- Avoidance of Novelty: Individuals with this need may avoid new experiences, people, or places, preferring to stick to what is familiar and predictable.
- Limited Social Interactions: They might restrict their social interactions to a very small circle of people and avoid forming new relationships.
- Routine and Rigidity: A rigid adherence to routines and habits can be observed, providing a sense of structure and stability, but also limiting opportunities for growth.
- Fear of Change: They might resist change and new challenges, as these are perceived as threats to their sense of safety.
- Avoidance of Risk: A strong aversion to risk-taking might lead them to avoid situations that carry even minimal uncertainties.
- Narrowed Opportunities: This need can lead to missed opportunities for personal development, exploration, and self-discovery.
The neurotic need to restrict one's life is driven by a fear of the unknown, a desire for predictability, and a need to reduce anxiety. While it might provide temporary relief, it can also hinder personal growth and limit life experiences. Horney's theory emphasizes that these coping strategies stem from unconscious attempts to alleviate underlying anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Understanding and addressing these underlying issues through therapy can help individuals develop healthier ways of managing their anxiety and expanding their life experiences.
Do neurotic people know they are neurotic?
Yes, many neurotic individuals are aware of their tendencies and might recognize that they experience heightened negative emotions, anxiety, and emotional fluctuations. However, the degree of self-awareness can vary from person to person, and some individuals might have a more limited understanding of their neurotic traits.
Neuroticism often involves a heightened level of self-awareness regarding emotions and reactions, which can lead individuals to reflect on their experiences and behaviors. They might notice patterns of worry, anxiety, or mood swings that are beyond what they consider typical.
Are neurotic people introverted?
Neuroticism and introversion are separate personality traits, but they can sometimes be related to certain individuals. It's important to understand that these traits exist on a spectrum, and people can have varying combinations of them. Here's how they relate:
- Neuroticism: Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Individuals high in neuroticism might worry excessively, experience intense emotions, and have difficulty managing stress.
- Introversion: Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for quieter, more solitary environments. Introverted individuals often find social interactions draining and may feel more energized by spending time alone.
Is neuroticism a part of the Big 5 personality traits?
Neuroticism is one of the Big 5 personality traits. Other personality traits are conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness.
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