Neuroses, which include, among others, Generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic-attack anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders. Some of their symptoms, such as anxiety attacks, clearly suggest the possibility of this condition. However, there are a number of non-obvious ailments that can be a symptom of neurosis. What exactly problems might suggest neurosis? Find out when to see a specialist.
Neuroses are one of the most famous mental disorders. This group of entities interested in psychiatry includes many different problems, such as:
- generalized anxiety disorder,
- specific phobias,
- anxiety disorder with panic attacks
- or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Patients associate neurosis primarily with the feeling of a different degree of unjustified fear. In practice, however, there are many more possible symptoms of neurosis. Knowing them is important because it allows for an early diagnosis of neurotic disorders and the earliest possible initiation of appropriate treatment.
Neurosis and constant worry
One of the more common symptoms of neurosis is being constantly worried. It is, in principle, natural that a person becomes overly concerned about something from time to time. However, for anxiety disorders - especially generalized anxiety disorder - symptoms appear in relation to everyday situations.
As an example of this type of unfounded fear, one can mention the constant fear for (so far completely he althy) family members or anxiety about financial stability when the patient is running a thriving business.
Neurosis and the feeling of fatigue
Many people find it difficult to find a link between anxiety disorders and the feeling of exhaustion. In practice, however, it is very easy to explain.
Well, people who have frequent panic attacks or feel constantly anxious or tense may not be able to relax in their spare time (even when they have a lot of it).
Ultimately, they may complain of chronic fatigue. The problem may arise especially in those patients who develop generalized anxiety disorders.
Neurosis and disorderssleep
Another possible manifestation of neurotic disorders is sleep disorders. Patients struggling with anxiety experience it in various forms. The most common, however, are problems with falling asleep and waking up during the night.
Sleep disorders may occur, among others, due to the constantly felt tension by the patients. It happens that the symptoms of a sick person worsen in the evening hours, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Neurosis and irritability
The tendency to excessive irritability is often found in the course of neurotic disorders. Patients can be irritated by even the smallest little things. They may be rude to their relatives or get irritated quickly.
Various phenomena may cause irritability in the course of neuroses. Most often, however, it is the result of constant anxiety and fear.
Neurosis and irrational fears
The essence of one group of neurotic disorders is the occurrence in patients of unjustified, panic fear in relation to factors that should not cause such extreme reactions.
We are talking about specific phobias, such as :
- arachnophobia,
- claustrophobia
- is fear of heights.
In the course of this type of neurosis, anxiety appears not only due to the contact with the factor that the patient is afraid of, but also at the mere thought of the possibility of contact with it. This is known as anticipatory fear.
Neurosis and obsessions and obsessions
It may be surprising that the symptom of neurosis can be not only fear, but also the compulsion to perform certain activities or the appearance of some persistent thoughts.
The group of neurotic disorders also includes obsessive-compulsive disorders, commonly referred to as obsessive compulsive disorders.
Kompulsiamiis defined as compulsory performance of various activities, e.g. :
- washing hands,
- checking if the door has been closed
- or putting items in a strictly defined order.
Obsessionsare persistent thoughts, unwanted by the patient, that may relate to topics such as religious, but also erotic or hygienic.
Obsessions with compulsions are directly related to each other. Usually, performing a coercive act, at least for a while, reduces the intensity of obsessive thoughts.
Neurosis and avoiding social situations
Difficulties related to social situations can testify to neurotic disorders. We are talking about such problems as, for example, fear of public speaking or avoiding being in the crowd (e.g.a concert or in a shopping mall around Christmas).
They are usually associated with fears of being criticized or judged by other people and may result from the patient having, for example, social phobia.
Neurosis and concentration disorders
Difficulties with focusing attention for a long time while working or shopping are often a symptom of neurosis.
These can be reached, for example, by the appearance of obsessive thoughts or constant anxiety in the patient.
Various fears can ultimately dominate the patient's life so much that he will be unable to focus on literally anything other than them.
Neurosis and increased muscle tension
People with neurosis often experience increased muscle tension. This problem appears in the course of some neurotic disorders.
It is generally believed that chronic anxiety may contribute to increased muscle tension.
There is a relationship between neuroses and muscle tone. Performing relaxation exercises to relax your muscles can also reduce patients' feelings of anxiety and anxiety.
Neurosis and somatic ailments
There are situations in which a patient experiencing ailments, such as chronic headaches or abdominal pain, goes to many different specialists, performs a lot of different tests, and the causes of the symptoms cannot be found.
Ultimately, it turns out that the psyche and the body are actually directly related and that somatic ailments may be a manifestation of neurotic disorders.
The fact that they may have such a basis may be convinced by the coexistence of e.g. frequent worrying or anxiety attacks.
The neurosis may be evidenced by the fact that somatic ailments intensify when the patient experiences stressful situations.
Neurosis and panic attacks
Panic attacks are one of the most commonly associated problems associated with neurosis. They are characterized by the fact that they appear suddenly and proceed very rapidly. Typical for panic attacks is the occurrence of extremely strong anxiety, which makes many patients feel that they may just die in a moment.
In addition to extremely strong anxiety, patients also experience somatic ailments, such as:
- significant increase in heart rate,
- breathing faster,
- pale skin
- or shaking hands.
Neurosis: when to see a specialist?
The most disturbing are the symptoms of a potential neurosis that are significantlyaffect the daily functioning of the patient.
In a situation where the constant fears or anxiety are so intense that the person is unable to perform their professional or family duties, consultation with a specialist is even recommended.
In Poland, the use of a psychiatrist or psychologist for many people still arouses negative emotions. It is worth emphasizing, however, that proper treatment of neurosis really enables a return to normal functioning. That is why it is worth enlisting the help of mental he alth specialists as soon as possible.
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