What is neurosis and how to get rid of it?

Neurosis - what is it?

Doctors call neurotic disorders “minor psychiatry,” and understand by this term “the general name for a group of psychogenic reversible disorders with a tendency to last a long time.” This means that these disorders, although they tend to worsen over time and torment a person for many years, with proper attention, almost any neurosis can be cured. And in this article we will talk about what neurosis is and how it manifests itself, as well as what types of neuroses there are and what methods of treating neurosis are currently the most effective.

The official diagnosis of “neurosis” no longer exists; such a disease is not mentioned in ICD-10. However, this term is still widely used by both patients themselves and many doctors.

Symptoms of neurosis in men and women

It so happened that men realize themselves more in the social sphere, and women - in relationships and in the family. It is generally accepted that we act out our problems in these areas. For example, a girl who was not loved by her father will act out this through the role of an ideal wife and mother, and a boy who is not loved by his mother will intensively pursue a career in order to still earn his mother’s love on an unconscious level.

Unfortunately, in our time everything is not so simple: neurotic women follow the path of masculinity and prove to the symbolic inner father that they are cooler than him; and men, in their neurotic attempts to earn their mother’s love, try to be more and more tender.

Types of neurotic disorders according to ICD-10

In the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, the term “neurosis” corresponds to categories F40-F48, that is, “Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders.” Different types of neuroses have their own characteristics, but each of them is based on the same reason - increased anxiety. Therefore, the physical manifestations of different neurotic disorders can be so similar that doctors sometimes find it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.

• Phobic anxiety disorders (F40) are characterized by persistent fears (phobias) that relate to situations that objectively do not pose a danger to the person. In this case, the patient is most often afraid of dying, losing control of himself or going crazy;
• other anxiety disorders (F41) are not accompanied by the development of phobias, but the patient experiences an increased level of anxiety that is in no way related to events in his life;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (F42) is manifested by the presence of obsessive thoughts and movements that intensify in stressful situations;
• reaction to severe stress and adaptation disorders (F43) are clearly related to a previous stressful event - while other disorders can develop regardless of difficult life situations and even against the background of complete well-being;
• dissociative [conversion] disorders (F44) are less common than other neuroses, their characteristic features are complete or partial loss of normal integration between memory of past events, the ability to recognize oneself as a person and immediate sensations and the ability to control body movements;
• somatoform disorders (F45) are accompanied by a set of various physical symptoms that appear without real reasons - that is, in the absence of somatic diseases in the patient. The “folk” name for such a disorder is hypochondria;
• other neurotic disorders (F48) include: neurasthenia, depersonalization-derealization syndrome and some other neurotic disorders that do not fall under the definitions of other headings.

Of course, from this list it is quite difficult for a non-professional to understand what neuroses are and how to treat neurosis. Therefore, you should not try to diagnose yourself - this should be done by a qualified doctor.

Common signs of pathology

The main symptoms observed in neurosis include:

• mental stress that appears for no reason;
• increased fatigue, chronic fatigue;
• lack of sleep or, conversely, constant drowsiness;
• isolation, fixation on something;
• decreased or sharp increase in appetite;
• memory impairment;
• numerous headaches;
• frequent dizziness, fainting;
• darkening of the eyes;
• violation of orientation in space;
• pain in the heart, muscle tissue and joints;
• trembling of limbs;
• frequent urination;
• increased sweating;
• decreased sex drive;
• low or, conversely, high self-esteem;
• difficulties in making certain decisions;
• inconsistency.

A person suffering from neurosis becomes irritable, touchy, and takes all trifles to heart. He experiences sudden mood swings.

How does neurosis develop?

People often believe that neurosis is a consequence of some kind of serious stress, due to which a person experiences certain disturbances in physical well-being and disturbing thoughts. Actually no, or rather, this is not entirely true. The formation of a neurotic disorder is not a quick or instantaneous process, and some strong experience can only provoke the appearance of signs of neurosis, but at the same time the person has been “sick” with the disorder for a long time, he just did not know about it yet.

The causes of the development of neuroses have not yet been fully studied. Experts identify two main factors influencing the onset of the disease:

• heredity;
• education and living conditions of the patient.

For some types of neuroses, the presence of a genetic predisposition has already been established. For example, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder) can indeed be inherited. However, it cannot be said that this rule is unambiguous for all types of neurosis.

As a rule, various types of neuroses begin to form in early childhood. Children born from a difficult pregnancy or as a result of a difficult birth, or who have suffered serious illnesses in early childhood, are especially predisposed to the development of such disorders.

The characteristics of a child’s upbringing also play a huge role. Young neurotics usually grow up in families where one of the parents also suffers from mental disorders and exhibits high levels of anxiety and distrust of the world. And it is not at all necessary to talk about hereditary reasons here - children in general easily adopt behavior patterns from their parents, and if, for example, the mother is constantly afraid of something, then the child will also develop similar fears and phobias at an early age or at school.

However, children still rarely show physical symptoms of neurosis. Basically, young neurotics suffer from anxious thoughts, and only under great stress do they show physical symptoms - for example, on the eve of an exam, a student may complain of a severe headache or an upset stomach.

Children, who are subject to very high demands from parents and teachers, are most predisposed to such reactions. The lack of room for error for a child is a heavy burden that greatly undermines the young psyche. Therefore, the prevention of school neuroses must necessarily include work with parents, who must be explained that high achievements during school years do not always provide the child with a happy life, but greatly contribute to the development of neurotic disorders.

Psychologist Alexey Krasikov talks about the connection between neurosis and childhood and the formation of neurotic thinking at an early age.

However, many people predisposed to the development of neurosis manage to more or less calmly “skip through” their school years without encountering serious difficulties. And the next important milestone for a potential neurotic will be the beginning of an independent life separately from their parents.

The fact is that neurosis always goes “hand in hand” with infantility. Among the reasons for its occurrence is a strong fear of the difficulties of adult life, the need to be responsible for oneself, and in the future, for one’s family. When a person comes face to face with this responsibility, he can plunge into internal anxiety and even panic, which inevitably causes physical signs of neurosis. Chronic stress, caused by the need to constantly make important decisions, quickly exhausts the patient’s psyche, provoking panic attacks, vegetative crises and other unpleasant symptoms.

The “trigger” for the appearance of such symptoms can be not only stress, but also the use of alcohol or drugs (as well as a hangover after taking them), hard work without vacation, disruption of sleep patterns and other unpleasant experiences for the body, even a banal ARVI.

How long does neurosis last: can neurosis be treated and for how long if it is completely curable

Neurosis is one of the most popular mental diseases in the modern world. This is due to the high pace of life.

A neurotic state is understood as a mental disorder associated with depletion of the nervous system.

Is it possible to completely get rid of this disease? Yes, neurosis can be completely cured, but only under the condition of complex treatment. The sooner it is started, the more effective and shorter the treatment process will be.

It is better not to delay treatment of neurosis, otherwise it may worsen

• 1 Reasons
• 2 Symptoms
• 3 Treatment 3.1 You may be interested in reading:

Causes

The main cause of neurosis is the person himself. More precisely, his reaction to the events happening around him. When a person faces a problem that is difficult for him to solve, he feels backed into a corner.

This condition causes worry, anxiety and fear. After these states have appeared, reactions to them arise. A person tries to get rid of negative consequences, forgetting about the original cause of his condition.

It turns out something like a vicious circle.

It is difficult to answer how long neurosis lasts. Depending on how soon the patient seeks help from a psychotherapist and begins to undergo treatment.

For a person, the initial cause can be anything, that is, any strong experience of a negative nature. For example, for children this could be the loss of a pet or the divorce of their parents.

For a teenager, the impetus for neurosis can be a problem related to communication with peers or figure flaws. For an adult, these are problems related to work, home, or severe physical fatigue.

It is also possible to distinguish categories of people who have a tendency to neurotic conditions.

1. People with hypertrophied responsibility. Due to the fact that they push themselves into certain limits and are in a stressful state, trying to do everything. You drive yourself into a corner, and as a result, stress and neurosis.
2. People who have fears and complexes from early childhood and do not discuss them with anyone.
3. People who accumulate all experiences within themselves. Often others believe that such a person is not capable of expressing emotions at all.
4. The so-called “workaholics”. They believe that they do not need rest and vacation. This results in overexertion and chronic fatigue. Which leads to a neurotic state.
5. People with low self-esteem. They take criticism too seriously and have no opinions of their own. For them, what others say is much more important than their own thoughts.

Symptoms

The state of neurosis is often confused with psychosis. The main difference is that during neurosis the patient understands and realizes that he is sick, but during psychosis this does not happen. Also, signs of neurosis are hidden under the symptoms of various diseases. Often, for this reason, many neurotic conditions remain incurable.

Sometimes a person confuses the symptoms of neurosis with signs of other diseases.

A person goes from one doctor to another, trying to find an explanation for his health.

But the symptomatic picture either does not fit into the symptoms of one specific disease, or there is no physiological cause for the symptom at all. An example is heart pain and tachycardia.

Whereas upon examination this organ is in good condition and is considered healthy. A person may say that he was not given a good enough examination or that the doctors are incompetent.

Worth seeing: Which doctor treats neurosis

How long neurosis is treated depends directly on:

• severity of the disease;
• on how quickly a person turned to a specialist;
• on the competence of the specialist;
• from correctly selected complex treatment;
• from following all recommendations of a psychiatrist or neurologist.

If treated incorrectly or completely absent, neurosis can accompany a person throughout his life.

In order to consult a doctor in time, you need to know what symptoms the disease expresses. A number of symptoms of neurosis can be identified:

• nervous tics;
• pain in different parts of the body;
• retardation of movements;
• tachycardia;
• lump in the throat;
• nausea;
• insomnia;
• increased sleepiness during the daytime;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• sweating;
• reaction to bright lights or loud sounds;
• tearfulness;
• irritability;
• pessimistic mood;
• apathy;
• panic attacks;
• depressive state.

Depression is a clear sign of neurosis

All symptoms can be divided into 10, which are identified by psychiatrists. But most often there are only 6 manifestations.

1. Anxious state. A person experiences it when he is afraid of something, but cannot say exactly what. More often this condition is accompanied by phobias. For example, a person is afraid of elevators. And upon entering it, or just thinking about it, increased sweating, tachycardia, and lack of air begin. Anxiety can be classified as chronic or acute. The first occurs more mildly, since a person is already accustomed to it, and the second can be compared to panic attacks. It can provoke rash decisions, which can lead to negative consequences.
2. Conversion hysteria. More often observed in females. This disease can provoke a lack of appetite or temporary loss of hearing, vision, and sense of taste. It can be expressed in uncontrolled actions, such as temporary paralysis, or, conversely, sudden movements that are not appropriate to the situation. This disease is aggravated by the fact that due to the fact that interest in everything that happens around is lost, a visit to a neurologist is postponed indefinitely.
3. Dissociative hysteria. It is expressed in dissociation from one’s own self. Initially, there may be memory loss. But later these moments are remembered, and the person does not pay attention to this symptom. Next, schizophrenia develops.
4. Phobia. It is the most common symptom of neurosis. This type of disease makes it very difficult to live a full life, since due to fear of something you have to look for other ways to solve the situation. For example, if you are afraid of closed spaces, it is problematic to ride in an elevator or work in an office. How long neurosis lasts before treatment is prescribed depends only on the person himself, how fully he wants to live.
5. Compulsive neurosis is when a person is haunted by a negative thought throughout the day, preventing him from concentrating on anything else. In some cases, one day may not be enough. And, for example, the thought of the death of a close relative can haunt you for years.
6. Depression. It is expressed by a feeling of depression that begins in the morning. Depression can lead to suicide.

Worth seeing: Neurosis in psychology

Symptoms of neurotic disorders

Oddly enough, different types of neuroses most often have similar manifestations. This is due to the fact that the mechanism of anxiety is approximately the same in all people. And all bodily symptoms of neurotic disorders are nothing more than the body’s reaction to chronic stress, anxiety and fear. Of course, this is a very primitive explanation, but quite correct, and the patient should be told about other nuances by his attending physician.

So, the physical symptoms of neurosis include:

• headaches, dizziness;
• numbness and pain in the face, teeth, ears, neck;
• muscle spasms in the collar area;
• numbness of the hands or individual fingers;
• nausea, vomiting, pain and cramps in the stomach;
• neuralgia;
• pain in the heart area, a feeling of it “fading” or “bouncing”;
• gastrointestinal disorders - diarrhea, constipation, frequent urge to defecate;
• frequent and sometimes painful urination;
• a feeling that the arms or legs are “lost”, the patient does not seem to feel them, but can control the limbs, walk, etc.
• trembling in the arms or legs;
• fluctuations in blood pressure;
• cough, problems with breathing, swallowing.

All of the above conditions are very similar to the symptoms of real diseases, so the patient can undergo examinations and take medications for years, while his condition will not improve. Moreover, it may even get worse, because the feeling “I’m being treated and treated, but I’m not getting better” greatly worries the patient, driving him even “deeper” into neurosis. According to statistics, it takes about 7-9 years before a patient suffering from a neurotic disorder finally gets to the right doctor and begins to receive effective treatment. Over the years, the patient manages to undergo many studies, undergo liters of tests, stay in the hospital and relax in a sanatorium, and in especially “severe” cases, even visit grandmothers and sorcerers. However, neurosis is treated with completely different methods, so improvement cannot be expected with this approach. We recommend reading an interesting article about the treatment of neurosis with folk remedies.

There are also symptoms that much more strongly indicate the mental nature of the disease. They deserve special attention.

1. Strong and causeless anxiety, which almost does not depend on current circumstances - even if everything in life is good and calm, the patient literally cannot find a place for himself from unpleasant premonitions.
2. Sleep disturbances – a long time to fall asleep, nightmares, insomnia, early awakenings around 4-5 am, constant feeling of fatigue during the day.
3. Apathy, reluctance to do even favorite things.
4. Mood swings, inappropriate tearfulness, irritability, aggression.
5. Periods of activity and good mood in patients with neurosis are often followed by periods of poor health, which can last for several days.

And of course, the most striking symptom of neurosis is a panic attack. Its manifestations can be very different from person to person, but there are two main criteria by which one can judge that it was PA that happened to a person: extreme fear and a large number of bodily symptoms. Often, even doctors can confuse a panic attack with a heart attack, but a cardiogram will not show any abnormalities in cardiac activity.

But if a person has already experienced a panic attack, then there cannot be two diagnoses - you can choose a good doctor and start collecting information on how to cure neurosis.

The symptoms of neurosis in women and men are practically no different; the same can be said about the causes of the disorder and the treatment of neuroses. But in children and adolescents, the manifestations of neurotic disorders have their own characteristics, which experienced doctors always take into account during treatment. Treatment of neuroses in adults usually lasts longer and more often requires drug support.

How long and for how long have I been suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia?

Greetings, dear readers! Today, neurosis affects many people, quite young and regardless of social status. The problem is reaching epidemic proportions. But the good news is that neurosis is completely reversible. Of course, with timely measures taken to get rid of it.

Here I will tell you how long I was in a state of acute neurosis (ASN), when I embarked on the path to recovery, and after what period I managed to completely get rid of the symptoms.

Neurosis - the beginning

I have already written in more detail about the first “bells” and the first attack here. In this article I will briefly repeat myself. All my torment began with the first attack of panic attack. It was preceded by some symptoms that appeared over a couple of years, but I did not pay attention to them, attributing everything to fatigue, overwork, and lack of physical activity in my life.

So, the first powerful attack of PA hit me in 2014, in mid-October. Next - walking through torment. I had panic attacks every day, I lost weight, turned into a pale, hunted creature, and sincerely believed that I would soon die.

In this state, I managed to go to doctors who drove me from office to office and, naturally, did not find anything serious in my body.

All this horror lasted about a month. Then thoughts gradually began to come to me that perhaps it was not a matter of organic matter. Of course, they began to visit my headache, which was sick at that time, for a reason. I searched for information on the Internet and over and over again came across articles stating that the causes of such symptoms may lie in the psyche.

Gradual insight

Somewhere towards the end of November 2014, I came across the largest existing forum about neurosis and VSD, which, in fact, marked the beginning of my recovery.

Somehow, very quickly, I found information there about useful books, and the first thing that was recommended to read was the book by psychotherapist A. Kurpatov, “A Remedy for Vegetovascular Dystonia.”

I read it in a couple of days. And it was from this book that a consistent understanding of everything that was happening to me began to come to me. I realized that the problem is in the head, and all physical manifestations are only a consequence. From this book I learned a lot of useful and interesting things about panic attacks and how to get rid of them.

I began to believe that it was possible to free myself from this terrible, painful condition, that it was not fatal and not so dangerous. Thus began my journey of “climbing” upward, out of the cesspool called neurosis. I use the word “climbing” for a reason, because getting out of this turned out to be much more difficult than I initially thought.

One good, useful book you read will only fill you with optimism for a while. A couple of unsuccessful attempts and you are thrown back again. This happened to me too. But I didn't give up.

The path to freedom from neurosis

About a year and a half passed from the beginning of my path to recovery to the complete victory over VSD (neurosis). I managed to completely get rid of panic attacks and agoraphobia quite quickly (in 3-4 months). But some physical symptoms stubbornly refused to leave me for a long time. The anxiety persisted for a long time and from time to time I was thrown into a depressive state.

But I want to say that I was not inactive throughout this period. I continued to read useful literature (I created a separate section on this site dedicated to books), used various techniques offered in books, and gradually realized the essence of my neurosis, its causes, and the roots of many of my problems.

I managed to radically change not only my worldview, but also my lifestyle.

Thus, I came to the “point of no return” around the beginning of 2016. Absolutely all my symptoms left me, I significantly improved my health (physical and psychological), and since then nothing has bothered me.

Don't flatter yourself - everything will come back

While sharing some of my results on the same forum, I came across funny statements addressed to me from people who never managed to reach the “point of no return.”

They accused me that my neurosis was not so strong and serious, that my remission was temporary, and they argued that everything would definitely return. People with all their souls and consciousness believe that it is impossible to get rid of this forever.

Well, this is their opinion, which they have the right to have. If people like to consider themselves neurotic, suffer, suffer, I am powerless here. Reading the stories of other people, I saw that some remain in this state for many years.

I have different beliefs, convictions and attitudes. I am absolutely sure that it is possible to get rid of VSD forever. But this requires a complete reboot of consciousness, a huge amount of work on oneself, the actual complete destruction of the old and the construction of a new one. Not everyone is ready to change themselves like that and work on themselves day after day.

By the way, after completely getting rid of neurosis, there were many stressful situations in my life.

There were problems with loved ones, troubles in the family, and failures in the work sphere, there were long trips, flights (and, moreover, alone), and active events.

I got colds, got food poisoning a couple of times, and tore muscles while playing sports, but I endured and experienced all this like an ordinary person.

Even when I get very nervous and my pulse quickens (and this is a completely normal reaction of the body to stress), I no longer even remember that such a condition once led to another PA.

And, in general, I remember less and less that I experienced acute neurosis. Probably, if it weren’t for my decision to create this site, I would have forgotten about it.

But I have a need to share the knowledge and experience I have gained with people who are in this painful state.

Now I remember everything completely calmly, and I write about it easily and freely.

This concludes the post, I hope it will be useful to someone. I have absolutely nothing to say to those people who do not believe in their recovery and do not want to work on themselves. But for those who want to live, take themselves to a new level and come to the “point of no return,” I say with confidence that this is possible .

And for this you don’t even need to attend expensive courses, psychotherapy sessions, buy expensive books, or pay someone for secret knowledge. I did all the work on myself myself, most of the materials were given to me for free, and I am also ready to share information for free.

Believe in yourself and everything will work out for you!

Source: //net-nevroza.ru/skolko-vremeni-u-menja-dlilos-sostojanie-ostrogo-nevroza/

Treatment of neuroses

A person suffering from physical and emotional manifestations of neurosis for many years often does not believe that he will ever be able to return to a full life. At the time of diagnosis, the patient usually accumulates many questions to which he does not find an adequate answer even on the almighty Internet, and doctors do not always take the trouble to explain to the patient in detail what is happening and when it will end. Therefore, we will try to briefly explain what a person has to deal with during the treatment of a neurotic disorder.

Is neurosis curable at all or is it forever?

Strictly speaking, it is almost impossible to completely change the personality structure of an anxious person at this stage of medical development. But it is quite possible to return the patient to normal life and make sure that the symptoms of neurosis practically do not bother him.

Which doctor treats neurosis?

The main method of treatment and prevention of neurotic disorders is psychotherapy, so a good psychologist or psychotherapist will help the patient. But in cases where the neurosis is chronic, with strong physical manifestations, it is imperative to contact a psychiatrist who will prescribe the necessary medications to reduce the strength and frequency of physical symptoms.

Taking pills is not an equivalent substitute for psychotherapy. The main reason for the development of neurosis is the patient’s worldview, which medications cannot change - and if you do not work on your life attitudes, then after stopping the medications, the symptoms will return with renewed vigor.

How long does it take to treat neurosis?

This depends on many factors - the duration of the disease, its causes, the doctor’s experience, and even the desire of the patient himself to be cured. Therefore, each situation is very individual, and it is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. The only thing that can be said for sure is that psychotherapy for these disorders lasts at least a year and should be regular. But the doctor chooses the medication regimen for each patient, and some may need 1 month of taking pills, while others may need several years.

Is it possible to cure severe neurosis without pills?

Most likely not. When the psyche is too shaken by constant vegetative manifestations, it is almost impossible to return it to a normal state without medication. Sometimes (although very rarely) even hospital treatment may be required.

Is it true that neurosis can only be treated in a hospital or a special sanatorium, and nothing can be done at home?

Modern technical capabilities allow you to organize work with a psychotherapist via Skype and treatment without leaving your home. But to get a prescription for medications, you will have to visit the doctor in person.

As for treatment in sanatoriums, indeed, many of them offer treatment for nervous system disorders. But a sanatorium is only an auxiliary method of treatment that can relieve excessive stress in both the psyche and the body, but it is not possible to cure a neurotic disorder in one course.

What pills help against neurosis?

Typically, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and sometimes “mild” neuroleptics are used in the treatment of such disorders. All of them are sold by prescription only, have a number of side effects and should only be prescribed by a doctor. The same drugs that can be freely purchased at the pharmacy (Novopassit, Afobazol, herbal preparations “for the nervous system”, etc.) are completely ineffective for a pronounced disorder.

Is neurosis treated with physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, etc.?

Acupuncture and other similar methods can be effective in restoring the body after chronic stress. For example, acupuncture has a relaxing effect, and this is what its effectiveness is based on. But still, these are not the main methods of treating neurosis, but only auxiliary ones.

Is hypnosis effective in treating neuroses?

Hypnosis can be used by a psychologist as one of the techniques during psychotherapy. However, it is absolutely impossible to recover from neurosis in a few sessions of hypnosis; this requires long and gradual work on oneself.

Is there a way to prevent neuroses?

The best prevention of neurotic disorders is considered to be a healthy lifestyle, and more importantly, a healthy attitude towards life. This is done by specialist psychologists, who should be contacted every time the need arises.

Symptoms of neurosis in children

This condition of a child is most often a symptom of either the entire family system or one of the parents. Well, for example, if your child is overly aggressive, he can thus express either the accepted style of behavior in the family, or the suppressed aggression of one of the parents.

A child is able to independently work out his neurotic problems and family problems during play. If you demand adult, meaningful behavior from children too early, they not only become neurotic, but also begin to express their problems through illness. Therefore, do not demand that your children grow up prematurely: the longer they break their toys, the later they begin to get sick.

Summarize

In this article, we tried to most fully cover the topic of neurotic disorders, talk about their formation, course and how to treat neurosis. This information will be useful to anyone who has encountered a similar problem in their life, because not even all general practitioners clearly understand how neurosis manifests itself, how to treat neurosis and whether neurosis is curable at all. In the coming years, the situation will gradually change, since currently a lot of materials have appeared on the Internet on the topic “what is VSD?”, “can neurosis be treated?” and what needs to be done so that the patient gets rid of unpleasant symptoms. But for now, a patient faced with a neurotic disorder must know which specialist to contact, what tests to undergo, how to diagnose neurosis and how to treat it - at least in general terms. Be healthy!