How do you recognise neurosis? - Symptoms of neurosis

What is neurosis

Neuroses include mental problems of a very different nature and symptoms. They can take the form of behavioural disorders (e.g. excessive hand washing), mental processes (e.g. obsessive thoughts), emotions (e.g. anxiety) or problems indicating the presence of a life-threatening illness.

The basis of neurosis, i.e. the core symptoms, which occur independently of the form the disorder has taken, are always the same. In the current International Classification of Diseases ICD-10, the term 'neurosis' has been replaced by 'anxiety disorder'.

How to recognise neurosis - core symptoms

According to Antoni Kępiński, a well-known Polish psychiatrist, the core symptoms of neurosis include:

• anxiety
• egocentrism
• vicious circle
• vegetative disorders

Anxiety in the case of neurosis may relate to a specific object, phenomenon or situation (e.g. fear of spiders) or it may be generalised anxiety, seemingly unrelated to a specific stimulus (often accompanied by panic attacks). The level of anxiety experienced may be elevated over a prolonged period of time, and patients themselves describe it as a feeling of constant and exhausting tension.

"The vicious circle" illustrates the dynamics of the mechanism of neurosis. In short: anxiety triggers symptoms indicating, for example, heart disease. The appearance of these symptoms raises the level of anxiety. The 'vicious circle' mechanism then drives itself on, in the process worsening the patient's condition.

Egocentrism in neurosis patients is primarily related to the presence of somatic symptoms. Fear of their own health, pain, or other intractable ailments result in an excessive focus on themselves, often at the expense of those around them.

Vegetative symptoms, i.e. indicating that the body is ill, e.g. insomnia, dyspnoea or pain.

Neurosis is distinguished by the patient's retention of the ability to be critical of emerging symptoms, e.g. they know when anxiety is exaggerated and unjustified - yet they cannot cope with it.

Types of neurosis and concomitant symptoms

Neurosis is usually accompanied by somatic symptoms, often atypical, in which a certain schematicity can be noticed (e.g. nausea always occurring before travelling).

Neurasthenia

The patient feels constantly tired or exhausted. The neurasthenia, depending on what form it takes, is accompanied by, among other things.:

• irritability
• slowness
• headaches
• anxiety
• concentration difficulties
• sleep disorders
• hyperactivity
• short temper
• strong emotional reactions

Hysterical neurosis

The patient constantly listens to his own body in the belief that he is seriously ill. He constantly demands tests, and when these show nothing, he becomes frustrated. The most common symptoms include:

• palpitations
• stabbing in the chest
• dyspnoea
• anxiety
• stomach pains, nausea
• rashes
• excessive sweating
• headaches and dizziness

Anxiety neurosis

Anxiety neurosis is generalised anxiety. The patient experiences constant anxiety, often for no apparent reason. Anxiety neurosis can take the form of a phobia. Common symptoms include:

• a constant feeling of tension and anxiety
• tightness in the chest
• irritability
• headaches and dizziness
• fainting
• sleeping problems, insomnia
• muscle tension, which can cause pain throughout the body

Obsessive - compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder falls under this common name. Obsessions are intrusive, constantly recurring thoughts. Compulsions are following strict rules or compulsions to perform certain mental activities (e.g. counting). These behaviours help the patient to relieve emotional tension, although he is aware of their irrationality.

Obsessive compulsive disorder usually shows itself through:

• disturbing, recurring thoughts
• uncontrolled gestures
• obsessive performance of specific activities
• obsessive attention to hygiene
• compulsion to maintain perfect order and symmetry
• compulsion to perform certain activities a certain number of times
• nervous tics

People with obsessive compulsive neurosis often try to avoid situations that make them feel anxious, which can lead to social isolation.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Its basis is a strong, violent experience involving a threat to health or life. The diagnosis of neurosis requires the prior exclusion of damage to the nervous system. Before seeking psychiatric help, the patient should see a traumatologist for the necessary tests. Typical symptoms may include:

• recurrent headaches and dizziness
• trembling hands
• palpitations
• sleeping problems, nightmares
• constant reliving of the traumatic event
• symptoms of depression

Vegetative neurosis

Chronic stress or strongly acting stimuli can deregulate the nervous system. As a result, the function of many internal organs is disrupted, which can lead to:

-hypertension

- arrhythmia

- ulcers

- indigestion, diarrhoea or vomiting

- deterioration of the memory, problems with concentration

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Neurosis and constantly thinking about illnesses

Constant and intrusive thoughts about illnesses is a symptom that appears in people with anxiety neurosis, an obsessive disorder. These people are constantly anxious about their health and often attribute their symptoms to serious illnesses, even when there is no evidence of them in the form of test results. The whole thing causes increasing stress and anxiety, with consequent deterioration of mental health. 

Recurring thoughts of illness affect many aspects of life. They lead to difficulties at work and in relationships with other people. In addition, avoiding situations that may increase fear and anxiety have a part to play in isolating oneself from the environment. 

How to deal with constant thoughts of illness? The first step is to realise that this is a symptom of neurosis that needs to be treated. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help to reduce the fear and anxiety that comes with constantly thinking about diseases. It is worth taking advantage of online therapy, through which you can get effective help even in the next few days after registering on our platform. Specialists will conduct an interview and advise you on what steps to take. 

How does gastric neurosis reveal itself?

Gastric neuritis can reveal itself in a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Stomach pains and discomfort in the gastric region
• Flatulence and a feeling of fullness in the stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn and gastric reflux
• Appetite loss or overeating
• Digestive problems and indigestion
• Abnormal bowel movements such as diarrhoea or constipation
• Increased sensitivity to stress and anxiety
• insomnia and fatigue
• A feeling of tension in the abdominal area 

Symptoms usually occur at times of stress, as well as during periods of relative calm. If the above symptoms occur, consult your doctor, who will exclude the presence of other stomach diseases. 

Neurosis and visiting a psychologist - how a consultation might go? 

Before your first visit, check what questions you may be asked during your consultation:

• What symptoms are you experiencing? - this question will allow the psychologist to get to know the main symptoms of neurosis that the patient is experiencing.
   
• When do these symptoms appear? - the answer to this question will make it possible to determine whether the symptoms of neurosis appear in specific situations or whether they are present all the time.
   
• What are your daily habits? - The psychologist will get to know the patient's lifestyle, which may have an impact on the accompanying symptoms of neurosis.
   
• Are you having problems at work or school? - the question will help to determine whether work or study stress may be the cause of your neurosis.
   
• Do you have interpersonal and relationship problems? - a psychologist is able to determine whether interpersonal problems may be contributing to the onset of neurosis symptoms.
   
• Do you have any illnesses? - the psychologist will determine whether the symptoms of neurosis may be caused by other illnesses.
   
• Are you taking any medication? - with this question, the psychologist will determine whether the symptoms of neurosis can be caused by medication.

Situational neurosis - what it is?

Situational neurosis is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by experiencing severe anxiety in certain situations. It can involve a variety of situations, such as public speaking, talking to strangers, travelling on public transport, or even eating a meal in the presence of other people. Symptoms of situational neurosis may include but are not limited to, trembling, sweating, flushing, difficulty speaking, dyspnoea, abdominal pain and nausea.

Sufferers of situational neurosis experience extremely high levels of stress during their illnesses, accompanied by a range of neurological symptoms. In addition, they often avoid being in a stressful environment. 

The origins of situational neurosis are complex and often related to past experiences, such as traumatic events or low self-esteem. Situational neurosis is also often associated with other anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety syndrome, social phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Treatment for situational neurosis may include behavioural therapy, in which the patient learns to cope with stress and gradually expose themselves to situations that trigger anxiety. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication is also used - always under medical supervision!

Severe neurosis: neurological symptom 

With severe neurosis, some neurological symptoms may appear. They usually depend on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severity of the disease. How neurosis manifests itself? 

• A tremor in the arms and legs - this is one of the most common neurological symptoms in severe neurosis. The tremor can be mild or very severe, and its intensity depends on the level of stress and emotional tension.
   
• Balance disorders - severe neurosis reveals, among other things, an unsteady walk, difficulty in maintaining an upright posture and falls.
   
• Headaches - neurosis in many cases leads to the appearance of headaches, which can be throbbing or dull. These pains usually increase in stressful situations.
   
• Sensory disturbances - such symptoms include tingling, numbness or burning in various parts of the body.
   
• Visual dysfunction - neurosis can affect the quality of vision, leading to visual focus disturbances, double vision or flashes in front of the eyes, among other things.
   
• Speech disorders - severe neurosis in extreme cases leads to speech disorders, which manifest themselves, among other things, in difficulty pronouncing words, stuttering or stammering of the tongue.
   
• Sleep disorders - neurosis affects the quality of sleep. Increases difficulty in falling asleep, causes frequent waking at night and daytime sleepiness.
   
• Concentration disorders - severe neurosis in many cases results in difficulty focusing and a tendency to forget simple things.

Is e-visit effective for neurosis?

Yes, psychological help provided via telephone is a quick and convenient way to consult a specialist. An e-visit is just as effective as a visit to an in-patient office. It allows a diagnosis to be obtained quickly, as there is no need to wait in line to see a specialist. Also, the patient cannot pretend to lack of time before the visit, because you select the day, time and place from which you will talk to the psychiatrist or, if you prefer, to a psychologist or psychotherapist.

Therefore, if you suspect you or your relative has a neurosis, use Med24 for professional and fast support.