Neurosis: what it is, signs in adults and children

Neurosis is a word often used in conversation. In medicine, it refers to a group of conditions associated with stress and psychological trauma. Let's take a calm look: what it is, how it manifests in adults and children, and when it is time to see a doctor.

What neurosis and neurotic disorder are

Neurosis, or neurotic disorder, is an outdated name for a group of neuropsychiatric disorders. They arise from acute or chronic psychological trauma. There are no qualitative changes in mental activity: the person relates critically to their condition and is able to control their actions. This is how neurosis differs from psychosis.

The term was introduced in 1776 by the Scottish physician William Cullen. There is still no generally accepted definition. In DSM-III in 1980, the "neuroses" section was abolished, and in ICD-10 there is also no division into neuroses and psychoses. What remains is the section "Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders" with codes F40–F48.

Causes and risk factors

A psychogenic factor operates in all cases: an external or internal conflict, circumstances that are traumatic, stress, prolonged overstrain of the emotional and intellectual spheres. Predisposition consists of psychological and biological components. The first is personality traits, upbringing conditions, relationships with society. The second is functional insufficiency of certain neurotransmitter and neurophysiological systems.

Among the risk factors for anxiety disorders are heredity, the biology and chemistry of the brain, stress and environment. Plus shyness and reticence in new situations, traumatic events in childhood or adulthood, a family history of disorders, thyroid problems and arrhythmia. Caffeine, other substances and some medications can intensify symptoms.

Signs of neurosis in adults and in women

Manifestations are divided into mental, physical and behavioral. In anxiety disorders they occur together:

• Anxious thoughts and beliefs that are difficult to control: the person feels restless and tense, and this interferes with work, study, and relationships.
• Physical symptoms: strong or rapid heartbeat, pain without a clear cause, dizziness, shortness of breath.
• Changes in behavior: avoidance of ordinary activities and places.
• Sleep: falling asleep is difficult due to overarousal, sleep is shallow, and there is drowsiness in the morning.
• Rapid fatigue when trying to work: memory, attention, and speed of thinking are affected.

Generalized anxiety disorder and phobias are more common in women, while social anxiety occurs equally in men and women. The signs themselves are not "female"; what differs is the frequency. In generalized disorder, worry about ordinary matters — health, money, work, family — is excessive and persists almost every day for at least 6 months.

Neurosis in children: how it manifests

In children, anxiety is described separately: with its own signs, causes and ways of helping. The general signs of anxiety — anxious thoughts, physical symptoms and avoidance of usual activities — also occur in children. If there are concerns, it makes sense to consult a doctor.

Course: chronic neurosis

Ivan Pavlov described neurosis as a prolonged disturbance of higher nervous activity due to overstrain of nervous processes. The disorders in neurosis are functional, that is, reversible: there is no dementia and no progressive personality changes. In anxiety disorder, fear is not temporary — it does not pass and may intensify over time.

Seasonal exacerbations as a separate feature of neurosis have not been described. If well-being worsens at any time of year, it makes sense to discuss this with a doctor.

Prevention and when to see a doctor

There are no proven measures for preventing neurosis. A person does not choose some risk factors: heredity, personality traits, childhood trauma.

See a doctor when anxiety does not pass, intensifies and interferes with daily life. At the appointment, they ask about symptoms and history, perform an examination and laboratory tests to rule out another cause. Then comes a psychological assessment: it is done by a doctor or a mental health specialist.

Neurosis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 — for signs that threaten life, such as a stroke or heart attack.

This text is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: you make decisions about care together with a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer