Neurotic disorders: causes, symptoms, treatment

What is a neurotic disorder

What is a neurotic disorder? It is a heterogeneous group of dysfunctions that arise as a result of acute or chronic psychological trauma. Symptoms are varied, but maladaptation, phobias, asthenia, obsessions and somatovegetative disturbances are always noted. A person's physical and mental abilities are temporarily weakened. Self-awareness and criticism persist. The diagnosis is made based on complaints, medical history and the person’s life history. To eliminate the problem, they resort to psychotherapy and medication.

Neurotic disorder is characterized

Doctors mean by neuroses a group of pathologies that arise due to the influence of mental trauma. A neurotic disorder is characterized by a deterioration in well-being, mood swings are noted, and somato-vegetative symptoms appear. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts are possible.

Psychological portrait of a neurotic

A neurotic person is very dependent on the surrounding opinion, his mood is unstable, his reactions are ambiguous. A negative emotional background predominates. A neurotic person tends to notice negativity and is easily immersed in dark thoughts. It is very difficult to get a person out of there.

In addition, it is typical for a neurotic to:

• diffidence;
• fears;
• experiences;
• suspiciousness;
• mistrust;
• fixation on one's own experiences;
• intolerance of criticism;
• the need for approval and favor from all people.

A neurotic person tends to blame himself and others. He is afraid that he will make a mistake, will not cope, for which he will receive public reproach.

A neurotic has a distorted idea of ​​love and relationships between people. Every person knows that no relationship is complete without contradictions and criticism. A neurotic perceives any criticism as a betrayal, an insult. Any request, especially in the form of a demand, provokes a nervous breakdown. Any remark towards a neurotic ends in a scandal, an emotional explosion. In addition, a neurotic person is prone to pathological groundless jealousy.

The partner of a neurotic person will never be left alone, because the neurotic type cannot stand loneliness and is self-centered. A neurotic person tends to constantly call to talk about “nothing.” He doesn’t understand that other people have their own desires, things to do, and that a person can simply get tired. When asked to be alone, a neurotic will respond with a scandal. As a rule, the relationships of a neurotic person are dependent or codependent in nature.

It’s not easy for a neurotic person in the professional sphere either. Fears make it very difficult to make choices, including professional self-determination. A neurotic constantly doubts, rushes about, and gives up halfway through the process.

Inconsistency and inconstancy are one of the main features of a neurotic. He behaves the same way in the sexual sphere: either he imposes a complete ban, or he leads a riotous lifestyle.

Causes of neurotic disorders

Doctors have different opinions regarding the catalyst for neuroses. Some believe that this condition develops due to a genetic predisposition, others – childhood psychological trauma. Children's psyche is weak, their memory is tenacious, any serious stress persists for a long time. Most of the complexes that a person suffers from in adulthood arose in childhood. Women are more susceptible to the disease.

Other causes of neurotic disorders:

• unfavorable environment, poor living conditions;
• prolonged physical overload in combination with stress;
• exhaustion of the nervous system;
• too busy work schedule;
• lack of proper rest;
• alcohol and drug abuse.

Neurotic dysfunctions occur when the body is exhausted.

What is associated with the development of pathology?

Biological background

• Impaired synthesis of neurotransmitters. The activity of these substances affects the functioning of the nervous system and affects mood. Deficiency of mediators negatively affects well-being and causes depression.
• Intoxication. With prolonged negative effects of toxins, mental problems can be detected. Intoxication can occur due to the consumption of certain substances (medicines, alcohol, drugs), long-term illness, or poisoning.
• Complications of certain pathologies. It may be a consequence of other internal processes and abnormalities: a malignant or benign tumor, vitamin deficiency, damage to the nervous system of various etiologies.

Psychogenic causes

• Prolonged experience. Study stress, difficult work, excessive emotional overload, loss.
• Inability to confront problems. The catalyst for an obsessive state can be an insoluble situation (large debt, loss of position).
• Patient's personality bias. Impressiveness, regular feelings of anxiety, tendency to exaggerate and dramatize.
• Unsatisfied ambitions. Failure of events to meet expectations can be a big shock.
• Upbringing. Lack of normal relationships with parents, aggression, domestic violence.

However, it is often not possible to identify specific preconditions. In recent years, the total number of registered cases of HP has increased 25 times. The most common is obsessive-compulsive disorder. On average, severe pathology affecting the quality of life is found in every third inhabitant of the Earth.

Classification of neurotic disorders

Disorders are divided into 3 groups:

• hysterical;
• obsessive states;
• asthenic.

This classification of neurotic disorders is not similar to practice. It does not contain approved certain and most common pathologies. The differences lead to different ways of systematizing disorders.

Types of neurotic disorders

When making a diagnosis, doctors take into account the following types of neurotic disorders.

1. Anxious-phobic. The main symptom is a sharp increase in anxiety and the appearance of obsessive fears. This group includes panic attacks, simple and complex phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.
2. Obsessive-compulsive. The main symptom is the appearance of obsessive ideas and actions.
3. Asthenic disorders are characterized by asthenic syndrome.
4. Somatoform. Clinically, they are similar to somatic ones, but do not imply a physical basis.
5. Dissociative disorders imply disorders of motor function and sensations. Previously, this disease was classified as hysterical neuroses.

The sooner the patient seeks help, the more favorable the prognosis.

Forms of neurotic disorders

There are such forms of neurotic disorders.

1. The most common is neurasthenia; it is divided into 3 stages. The first phase is characterized by irritability. Mental and physical abilities are not affected. The second stage is characterized by a decrease in working capacity, a person understands this. The third phase is manifested by lethargy, reluctance to do anything, and asthenic syndrome.
2. Hysterical neurosis is the second form. The disease is caused by inappropriate behavior; the person is unpredictable and extremely irritable. There are signs such as seizures, paresis, vomiting, hypotension. The patient also complains of obsessive thoughts, a “lump” in the throat, and insomnia. During an attack, a person screams, lies on the floor, can get into a fight, or injure himself.
3. The third form is depressive neurosis. It is characterized by symptoms such as insomnia, bad mood, loss of the ability to feel joyful emotions, a feeling of burden, and tearfulness. There are also disturbances in heart rhythm, stomach function, slow reaction to events, sexual dysfunction, and hypotension. The patient complains of despondency, sadness appears, and a feeling of uselessness.
4. Obsessive states. With it, the patient is unable to control his thoughts and actions.
5. Hypochondriacal neurosis - there is a fear of a circumstance from which a person cannot find a way out, or a fear of falling ill with an incurable pathology. The condition is complemented by hysteria and obsessions.

Each form requires an individual approach to therapy.

Neurotic disorders in adults

Neurotic disorders in adults have a reversible, relatively mild course, unlike psychoses. According to statistics, the problem is detected in 20% of the population. The causes include a disorder of brain activity responsible for human adaptation. Somatic and mental disturbances appear. Patients are rarely admitted to the hospital; conservative methods are usually successful.

Neurotic disorders in children

In children, the catalyst for the development of neurosis is delays in personality development. Against the background of separation from parents, stress, loss of a loved one, psychological trauma is possible. A child who experiences these situations becomes infantile or acquires neurosis.

Neurotic disorders in children: features of occurrence and course.

1. The age of 7-11 years is considered the affective stage of personality formation. If at this time the child encounters a traumatic factor, his development as a person may be delayed. In adulthood, such people experience emotional instability; a person cannot adequately assess the situation or think about the consequences. The only and beloved children acquire hysterical traits.

2. At the age of 11-14, a teenager learns to independently assess the situation, analyze, and plan his actions. There is a subsequent development of the affective component of the personality. If at this age a stressful situation arises, neuroses are possible in the future. Such teenagers outwardly look older than their peers and are more reasonable, but subconsciously, the synchronicity of personality development is disrupted.

Attention! The most important role in the successful growth of a child is played by the relationship with parents. Those who felt overprotected in childhood and were not allowed to make their own decisions become timid and unsure of themselves. It is in this category of people that neurotic disorders arise.

How are neurosis, symptoms and signs of its main varieties classified?

The following types of neuroses are differentiated: • Anxiety disorders and phobias in the form of increased anxiety, panic attacks and unreasonable fears (phobias). In the clinic, this type of neurosis is divided into three stages. At the 1st stage, fear arises only in a truly dangerous situation, when the patient is afraid of something, at the 2nd stage - when thinking about the possibility of being in a similar situation again, at the 3rd stage - even when verbally mentioning phenomena, somehow associated with a phobia. The symptoms are dominated by various fears. This may be a fear of contracting some disease (for example, cancer, syphilophobia or speedophobia), which can ultimately lead to hypochondria. Phobias such as claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), agoraphobia (fear of open spaces and crowds), etc. are quite common. • Obsessive-compulsive disorders, manifested in obsessive actions, thoughts, memories and aspirations, perceived by a person as unpleasant and alien. Patients are not able to cope with them on their own. Persons prone to suspiciousness, anxiety and introspection (reflection) are susceptible to this type of neurosis. Obsessive thoughts can manifest themselves in the form of counting steps, passing cars of a certain color, repeated attempts to answer meaningless questions, for example, why there are so many letters in one word, and more or less in another. Particularly difficult to perceive is the obsessive desire to do something shameful and unacceptable, for example, to undress naked in a public place, swear obscenely, or kill a loved one. Obsessive actions (compulsions) can reach the point of absurdity - washing hands up to 100 times a day, returning home multiple times to check that household appliances, gas, or doors are closed. There is also the performance of ritual actions before certain events (look in the mirror a certain number of times before leaving the house, jump or pull your ear, etc.). Only after such rituals can the patient leave home with confidence that nothing unpleasant or terrible will happen to him. • Hysterical reactions, otherwise conversion disorders, accompanied by changes in sensory sensations, disturbances in motor and autonomic reactions, memory loss, etc. Women are more susceptible to hysteria. The signs of neurosis in women are so diverse and changeable that they can resemble many bodily ailments. Hysteria is often called the great malingerer. The predisposition to it is more pronounced in individuals with an overly labile or immature infantile psyche. Hysterical disorder is manifested by such signs as a constant desire to be the center of attention, to play the main role in the team and family, and to dominate others. Hysterics are also characterized by hyper-emotionality, mood swings, a tendency to exaggerate their own role, demonstrative behavior, and elements of theatricality. Those around them often get the impression that a hysterical person revels in his illness, advertises it in every possible way and uses it to attract attention. The extreme manifestation of hysteria is a hysterical seizure, reminiscent of an epileptic one. • Somatoform disorder, otherwise somatic distress disorder, associated with the manifestation of symptoms of a physical disease without the presence of the disease itself. Signs of neurosis in this case most often resemble symptoms of a particular disease. A peculiarity of this type of neurosis is the particular torment and excessive focus of the patient’s attention on somatic manifestations, aggravated by contact with medical workers, which cannot be persuaded either by the results of clinical and laboratory examinations or by medical reasoning. The patient is confident that he has a disease, is deaf to any counterarguments and constantly initiates new examinations, which are practically useless and often expensive. Moreover, the symptoms differ in duration and progressive variability. For example, vegetative-vascular dystonia may be replaced by hypertension, tachycardia may be complicated by arrhythmia, stomach pain may be accompanied by intestinal spasms, etc. Moreover, only one symptom is rarely present; multiplicity is usually characteristic, for example, migrating pain throughout the body, neurosis with dizziness, headaches, high or low blood pressure, tachy- or bradycardia. Autonomic dysfunction of the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems is often observed. All this significantly reduces the quality of life of the patient himself and his immediate environment. In therapeutic practice, almost every fourth patient has complaints that are not confirmed by a clinical diagnosis. • Neurasthenia – a state of increased intellectual fatigue, headaches with mental stress, inability to completely relax and sleep disturbances. This condition deserves more detailed discussion due to its relevance and impact on mental activity and intellectual abilities.

Astheno-neurotic syndrome

Astheno-neurotic syndrome is manifested by chronic fatigue, apathy, increased fatigue and irritability. This disease is complemented by loss of appetite and insomnia. Physical signs are associated with apparent heart disease. It may seem to a person that he has a slow heartbeat, or vice versa – tachycardia. No changes are observed on the cardiogram. However, the patient feels pain in the heart muscle. Stomach problems and migraines are also possible. Diagnostics involves interviewing and examining a person. An examination is being carried out for a viral infection. The prognosis is favorable, especially if the person additionally attends art therapy sessions. Drawing has a relaxing effect on the psyche, negative thoughts dissipate, and the patient feels harmony.

Psychotherapeutic treatment

Neurosis, as a combination of functional mental disorders, can have a long course and progress. In this aspect, the most effective method of treatment is psychotherapy. The choice of the direction of psychotherapy and the selection of methods is carried out by the doctor individually, taking into account the specifics of each specific case. To eliminate panic attacks or fears of space, for example, tools such as hypnosis, family psychotherapy, body-oriented therapy, Gestalt therapy, gradual involvement in some interesting activity are used to eliminate feelings of sadness, melancholy and loneliness, create a positive attitude and positive emotions. Social addiction is treated with cognitive therapy and behavior correction. The goal of any method is to bring the individual into the zone of awareness.

Psychotherapy methods

• Group therapy . In such classes, a collective analysis of various situations and conflicts that provoked is carried out. Each patient tells how he manages to cope with the disease. Patients are taught that the disorder is treatable.
• Individual therapy . Personal work of a doctor - psychiatrist, psychotherapist or psychologist with a patient using the techniques necessary in a particular case.
• Art therapy . This is treatment using creativity for the purpose of sublimation, aimed at the constructive use of energy resources and the transformation of negative energy into positive energy through the means of substitution. Drawing, singing, theater arts, poetry reading.
• Autogenic training . They use methods of self-hypnosis, hypnosis, and elements of neurolinguistic programming.
• Psychodrama, psychoanalysis . Based on the study of the patient’s inner world.

Dysthymia – depressive neurotic disorder

The disease is characterized by a depressed state in the patient, which does not go away for more than 2 years. The pathology is characterized by decreased vital energy and increased fatigue. A person feels apathy and is unable to enjoy life. Self-esteem decreases and self-confidence is lost. Such people rarely share their emotions with others. The most severe consequence is suicide. The patient is referred to a psychotherapist. With timely treatment, dysthymia, or depressive neurotic disorder, is treatable.

Outpatient program and remission

In the absence of an aggravating factor, therapy can be carried out on an outpatient basis. Treatment includes identical points:

• Attending psychotherapeutic sessions in accordance with the approved schedule;
• Taking medications according to indications as needed;
• Treatment of the underlying provoking disease, if present;
• Searching for some kind of “outlet” in hobbies and creativity;
• Gradual return to society.

Neurosis is highly treatable, under the supervision of the attending physician, and quickly fades into the background. Relapses are observed in rare cases, but as part of psychotherapy, the patient is taught to independently cope with anxious thoughts and panic. If you follow all the recommendations, peace and joy will forever take away nervous tension.

Symptoms of neurotic disorders

Neurotic dysfunctions are characterized by instability of mood and rash actions. Patients suffer from memory impairment, problems with concentration, and a number of other clinical manifestations:

1. causeless psychological stress;
2. increased fatigue;
3. sleep problems;
4. isolation;
5. fixation on problems in life;
6. memory impairment;
7. dizziness;
8. fainting;
9. migraine;
10. pain in the heart muscle and joints;
11. frequent urination;
12. excessive sweating;
13. decreased potency;
14. high or low self-esteem;
15. inconsistency, uncertainty;
16. tearfulness;
17. aggressiveness;
18. suspiciousness;
19. poor prioritization.

Symptoms of neurotic disorders are often complemented by increased sensitivity to light, sound, and reactions to minor temperature changes.

Signs of neurotic disorders

Signs of neurotic disorders vary by gender. In women, asthenic neurosis more often appears, characterized by aggressiveness, loss of mental and physical ability, and lack of sexual desire. During intimacy, it is impossible to relax. A woman suffering from asthenic neurosis quarrels with relatives and often loses her temper over trifles. Constant tension is fraught with the development of diseases of internal organs.

In men there are the following types:

• depressed – a person is not able to realize himself in the world of work, or adapt to sudden changes in any area of ​​life;
• male neurasthenia - usually appears after physical or moral overstrain; workaholics are susceptible to this type.

Men and women over 45 years of age are prone to these types of diseases. They may still have problems with the functioning of their internal organs.

Neurotic disorder syndrome

The syndrome of neurotic disorders is a reflection of a traumatic circumstance and is often combined with other neurotic manifestations. The patient's mood decreases, but there is no feeling of melancholy. Usually, a bad mood is combined with emotional lability, asthenia, mild anxiety, loss of appetite and insomnia. During the day, no special fluctuations are observed, or they are mild. Mental and motor retardation, self-flagellation, and suicidal thoughts are not typical.

1. Neurotic depression is distinguished from reactive depression, which is also caused by traumatic circumstances. In the second type, the symptoms reach the level of reactive psychosis - the patient is depressed, inhibited, consciousness is narrowed, and thoughts of suicide appear.
2. In the case of psychotic depression, the patient wishes to die, there is gross disorientation of the personality with separation from life, sudden anosognosia, delusional ideas of self-humiliation, manic episodes. The condition can be controlled with antidepressants and a repeated course of treatment.
3. Neurotic depression is characterized by the preservation of the basic personality qualities, the patient is aware of his condition. Obsessive phobias and pronounced hysterical manifestations appear.

Important! Psychotic depression is more dangerous for a person and requires immediate treatment.

Levels of neurotic disorders

Neurotic disorders occur at 3 levels: as a manifestation of individual symptoms, at the level of minor syndromes, and as specific disorders.

Levels of neurotic disorders.

1. Individual symptoms. They are also present in those who do not suffer from mental disorders.
2. A minor emotional disorder can be complemented by several neurotic syndromes, of which the leading one is not identified.

The patient population consists of 2 types:

• some suffer from an acute, short-term stress reaction;
• others experience long-term, chronic impairment.

Most patients recover within six months, while others recover in no less than 3 years.

What are the most common signs of neuroses?

Among the mental symptoms, you should pay attention primarily to the following: • Emotional discomfort that occurs for no apparent reason. • Problematic communication with others. • Unpreparedness to make decisions. • Inadequacy of self-esteem with its overestimation or underestimation. • Frequent anxiety, a feeling of fear, anticipation of something unpleasant and scary, the development of phobias, the appearance of panic attacks. • Perversion of the system of values, aspirations, preferences, cynical attitude towards life and the environment. • Irritability and reduced resistance to stress. • Touchiness, tearfulness, increased vulnerability. • Obsession with traumatic circumstances. • Rapid fatigue due to intellectual stress, impaired memory, ability to concentrate. • Increased sensitivity to sudden changes in temperature, loud sounds, bright light. • Sleep disorders with difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings, superficial character, disturbing dreams, morning fatigue. A neurotic disorder may be indicated by physical symptoms of neurosis such as: • Pain of various localizations (headache, heart, gastrointestinal, muscle and joint) • Sudden changes in pressure. • Disorders of the vestibular apparatus with dizziness, imbalance, etc.: difficulty maintaining balance, dizziness. • Eating disorders, expressed in overeating or undereating, a sudden feeling of hunger with a quickly onset feeling of satiety. • Psychalgia (physical pain accompanying strong mental experiences, otherwise mental pain), increased concern for one’s own health, hypochondria. • Autonomic disorders - surges in blood pressure, tachycardia, cough, frequent urge to urinate, gastrointestinal dysfunction, sweating, chills, numbness and coldness of the extremities, etc. • Speech disorders in the form of stuttering. • Sexual dysfunction (decreased potency and libido) is rarely observed.

If neurosis is not treated in time, the symptoms intensify, and individual symptoms may become generalized. For example, pressure surges during stressful situations can turn into vegetative-vascular dystonia (otherwise neurocirculatory dystonia), associated with dysfunction of its sympathetic and parasympathetic departments and a violation of the neurohumoral regulation of the cardiovascular, respiratory system, intestinal motility, etc.

Diagnosis and treatment of neurotic disorders

A person should contact a psychologist or psychotherapist. Diagnostics requires an integrated approach.

The color technique is widely used.

1. All shades take part in it. Neurosis-like syndrome is noted when a person selects or repeats gray, purple, brown or black.
2. With hysterical neurosis, the patient chooses 2 colors - purple and red. This also indicates low self-esteem.

To determine the symptoms, a test is carried out - it makes it possible to identify the presence of chronic fatigue, anxiety, and self-doubt. Diagnosis and treatment of neurotic disorders are closely interrelated.

Drug therapy is used in the first stages to relieve internal tension and eliminate insomnia. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are widely prescribed. Depending on the severity and duration of the clinical picture, the doctor prescribes drugs from different groups to the patient:

• non-selective – Amitriptyline, Imipramine;
• selective influence - Maprotiline, Fluoxetine;
• sedative antidepressants – Doxelin, Azafen;
• balanced – Sertalin, Tryptophan;
• stimulants - Heptral, Bupropion.

Obsessive states are well relieved by drugs from the SIDS group - Prozac, Paroxetine, Escitalopram. Frequently prescribed tranquilizers include Phenazepam, Tofisopam, Meprobamate. All medications are prescribed in a short course of 5-7 days, sometimes extended to 10.

Important! If a person self-prescribes medications, the disease may transform and the condition may worsen.

Psychotherapy for neurotic disorders

To achieve maximum effect, doctors recommend supplementing drug treatment with rational, cognitive psychotherapy. The main objective of this technique is to eliminate the consequences of a stressful situation so that the general condition of a person improves and the symptoms of neurosis are eliminated. The doctor discusses the cause of the problem and works through the traumatic circumstances. The patient learns relaxation techniques, the ability to level out negative emotions and complexes. The most difficult thing to eliminate is negative attitudes given by parents. A person must show his will, diligence, and do his homework. Typically, psychotherapy for neurotic disorders consists of 7-15 sessions, depending on the degree of complexity of the problem. In severe cases, the patient is admitted to the department of borderline mental disorders.

Treatment of neurosis in children

In children under the age of 14, the psyche is susceptible to traumatic factors and criticism, especially from parents. Unhealthy family relationships cause developmental delays and the appearance of neuroses in adolescence. Neurotic disorders in children manifest themselves as follows:

• sleep disorder;
• stuttering;
• increased excitability, tearfulness;
• bedwetting of urine or feces;
• hysterics when an adult refuses to fulfill a child’s request, which manifest themselves mainly in public.

Treatment of a neurotic disorder is carried out by a child neurologist or psychiatrist. A group technique is used that helps improve communication skills for both shy and hyperactive children. Psychotherapeutic sessions are structured in a playful way. The doctor corrects the child’s behavior and helps cope with grievances and worries. During family therapy, trusting and fair relationships are established between parents and children.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the development of neurotic disorders by leading a healthy lifestyle. It is important to sleep 7-8 hours a day, go to bed before 1.00, resolve internal conflicts in a timely manner, and avoid stress. If a person’s work involves difficult situations or psychological overload, it is worth thinking about changing the sphere of work.

Prevention of neuroses: effective tips.

1. Do not abuse alcohol or smoking. Intoxication provokes a deterioration in adaptive capabilities, and various diseases appear. When drinking alcohol regularly, the psyche suffers and a severe hangover occurs.
2. The food menu should always include a lot of vegetables, fruits, lean meats and fish. It is advisable to rely on dairy products and take a course of vitamins in the off-season. Overeating is also dangerous; you need to consume food in moderation.
3. Music. This is an effective prevention method that involves listening to calm melodies. This could be the sound of rain or sea, falling snow and other natural phenomena. You should listen to soothing music before bed, or after a stressful situation. It can be found on YouTube, social networks, it is advisable to record it on a smartphone so that you can always relax.
4. It is important to exercise in moderation. Physical activity is the key to mental health. It is advisable to do exercises every morning or evening, you can join a gym, go to the pool 2-3 times a week.
5. Plan your actions, act according to the plan. Then there will be fewer stressful situations if a person does not let everything take its course.
6. Treat all diseases in a timely manner. Regular pain causes emotional stress.
7. It should be remembered that family conflicts, especially constant ones, cause serious stress. Family is the rear, not the battlefield. If there are problems in your personal life and they are not resolved, it is better to change your partner.

If it was not possible to prevent neurosis, you need to seek help in a timely manner. Then the chances of leveling out the negative psychological state are maximum.

Types of neurotics

American psychoanalyst and psychologist Karen Horney identified two possible ways for a neurotic person to combat his own anxiety:

1. Pathological search for love, affection. Excessive intimacy with every person.
2. Search for prestige, power, possession of something or someone. Humiliation, infringement of other people.

Other options for struggle: withdrawal from alcoholism, self-justification, denial.

All of the above is easy to notice in life. Especially the neurotic desire for success. A neurotic person wants to be the best in everything.

Karen Horney identified three types of neurotic personality: submissive, aggressive, isolated.

Subordinate

This type of neurotic moves towards people. It is important for him to have at least someone nearby: a friend, a spouse. But the cohabitant is pre-prepared for the role of patron. He must protect, protect the neurotic, solve his problems and even be guilty of failures. In general, relationships are based on manipulation and exploitation. A neurotic person is convinced of his own weakness and the strength of others, although in reality the situation may look the other way around.

Aggressive

Moves against people. An aggressive neurotic craves power, trusts no one, and goes over his head. All life is perceived as a struggle, a race, a rivalry. An aggressive neurotic seeks personal gain in everything. He does not admit mistakes, he does not know how to lose. Blames other people for failures.

However, the desire for prestige stems from the same unsatisfied need for security. And fear and anxiety turn into an internal feeling of shame. Therefore, a neurotic will never be satisfied with his success.

With this type of neuroticism, prohibitions are imposed on the expression of emotions and feelings. The neurotic becomes a good “working machine.” He can really achieve professional success and look free. But can a person be called a human if he does not know how to feel, and is only capable of showing aggression?

Separated

Moves from people. Due to anxiety and tension in moments of communication, the neurotic decides to separate himself from the world. He withdraws into himself, transforms all relationships into formal status, and imposes a ban on the expression of emotions and experiences. He does not tolerate advice, does not enter into serious, long-term relationships, and does not enter into contracts. Avoids any situations that impinge on his independence and self-sufficiency.

To maintain integrity, a neurotic needs a satisfied need for independence, solitude, and self-sufficiency. But the problem is that independence becomes his goal. He doesn't know what to do with her. As a result, he finds himself again alone with his problems.

At the same time, the need to be significant is expressed. Often isolated neurotics have talents and intellectual abilities. They just don’t dare announce it to the whole world. After all, this automatically entails requirements and responsibilities.

The more a person runs and hides, the less vitality he has.

What happens if a neurotic disorder is not treated?

Neuroses can cause complications if left untreated. Many people ignore therapy and do not go to doctors. Post-Soviet stereotypes that going to a psychotherapist is shameful still live in people’s heads. Such negligence entails irreversible changes in the psyche.

What happens if a neurotic disorder is not treated:

• increased symptoms;
• the patient becomes hysterical and hypersusceptible;
• self-esteem suffers;
• other chronic diseases appear;
• the risk of catching a cold increases;
• the formation of an explosive personality that does not tolerate returns, is aggressive, and concentrates only on the negative.

A person becomes a hypochondriac, his personality is destroyed. The last stage is caused by complete apathy, the person does not get out of bed, and may refuse food. The patient is no longer able to do without medications or control his emotions. High risk of suicide. It is extremely difficult to treat this condition; it can lead to more serious mental pathologies. You cannot do without long-term psychotherapy, taking medications and staying in a neurosis clinic.

Diagnosis of neuroses

According to clinical statistics, almost every person, one way or another, at a certain period of his life has encountered states of neurotic instability of varying degrees of severity. The easiest, primary stage of such conditions is defined as neurotic and represents a reaction of the psyche to certain external events: sudden grief, difficulties with adaptation, prolonged stress, and so on. It is these conditions that are also designated as borderline (non-psychotic) and lie in the field of study of minor psychiatry. A psychologist or neurologist can diagnose mild situational neurosis, as well as prescribe therapy, but if the situation becomes more protracted and complex, then the help of a psychiatrist is necessary.