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Neurosis
Medical Questions » Neurosis
| Name: Neurosis |
| Also known as: Anxiety Neurosis; Nervous Breakdown; Panic Attack |
| An illness of the personality in which the patient is aware that a problem is present. In many psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and psychosis, the patient is not aware that there is a problem present. Both severe neuroses and depression may be politely referred to as a ' nervous breakdown' . |
Causes of Neurosis
Tendency to run in families from one generation to the next, and most are present before the age of 25 years. It is often not possible to define the cause of the anxiety, but patients may try to explain it as a result of some stress in their lives, but in most situations, when questioned closely, the anxiety is found to be ' free floating' and have no real basis. Panic attacks and neurotic episodes tend to be more common in the week immediately before a menstrual period. Caffeine (in coffee and cola drinks) has also been associated with the onset of attacks. |
Symptoms of Neurosis
Patients are excessively anxious for no reason, may be unduly scared of something or some place (a phobia), and may become obviously distressed by their anxiety and/or fear. The distress may take the form of shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches or a faint. Anxiety and fear can lead to panic attacks, during which the patient becomes breathless, tight in the chest, dizzy, nauseated, bloated, may vomit and collapse in a faint. These usually occur without warning, but once experienced, the patient will be extremely reluctant to place herself in similar circumstances again. |
Tests for Neurosis
No diagnostic tests. |
Treatment for Neurosis
Many medications available to assist patients through a crisis. Anxiolytics and sedatives are better used in the short' term only, while antidepressants may be used for long periods without adverse effects. Additional treatment involves a mixture of behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and social counseling. Behavioral therapy involves gradually taking the patient through more and more stressful and fear-producing circumstances until the anxiety response wears off. Psychotherapy involves analyzing the patient' s reaction to their past and present situation. Group therapy may be employed to give additional encouragement. Social counseling requires a doctor, psychologist or social worker to advise the family and friends on how they should assist the patient. Activities that accentuate any phobias or anxieties will be discouraged, and the family will be taught how to encourage a more normal interaction with society by the patient.
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Complications of Neurosis of its treatment
Social isolation due to severe phobias, or the inability to perform everyday activities. |
Likely Outcome of Neurosis
The longer the neurosis has been present, the harder it will be to treat. Long-term treatment and encouragement by a sympathetic doctor is essential in all cases. |
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