Neurosis - symptoms in adults, causes, first signs and treatment

In our time, when stress intrusively breaks into everyday life, psychogenic disorders are not news. More and more people find themselves hostage to their internal conflicts, leading them to nervous exhaustion. Neurosis is the condition about which they say: already unwell, but not yet sick. In the early stages, the disease is easily treatable. But delaying this process can lead to more serious consequences.

Origin and causes

The name “neurosis” originated back in 1776 during a dispute between two doctors studying mental disorders. The Italian G. Morgagni specialized in pathological anatomy. He argued that neurasthenia is a consequence of physiological changes in organs and tissues. In his opinion, the pathology could be provoked by a protracted inflammatory process, tissue degeneration, or genetic characteristics. The Italian specialist’s opponent was the Scot W. Cullen. He considered the only possible cause to be the combined influence of neuropsychic factors. It was Cullen’s opinion that turned out to be correct, and the term he proposed was included in the official list of diagnoses.

In-depth study of the issue over many years has not yielded a comprehensive definition. Psychiatry and biology give different explanations for the deviation in question. Soviet scientist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov wrote that the essence of nervousness is a prolonged overstrain of nervous processes in the brain associated with destructive external stimuli. Sigmund Freud saw the reason in the opposition of the hidden instinct to social prohibitions. American psychologist Karen Horney blamed childhood trauma. Modern experts identify several prerequisites that provoke the disease.

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.

What is the diagnosis based on?

The diagnosis is made by a neurologist or psychiatrist. The specialist interviews and examines the patient and conducts a psychological examination.

It is very important to exclude somatic diseases when diagnosing neurosis, because many of its symptoms are similar to manifestations of pathologies of internal organs. For this, the patient is prescribed a series of laboratory and instrumental examinations: ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI, vascular examination, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

After excluding such diseases, differential diagnosis is carried out with other mental illnesses: psychopathy, schizophrenia, manic-depressive disorder. An important assessment criterion is the person’s awareness of his illness and the desire to get rid of it.

Signs of deviation in neurosis

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment. Treatment of neurosis is prescribed after identifying the following fundamental signs that distinguish HP:

• The leading role of psychogenic deviation in the deterioration of well-being;
• Reversibility of deviations in the nervous system;
• The picture is not complemented by signs of psychosis (obvious mental disorders, phobias);
• The person does not have dementia, personality changes do not progress;
• The patient is aware of the pathological nature of thoughts and retains critical thinking.

As a rule, with neurosis, two types of symptoms are found: mental and physiological.

Physical symptoms and signs of neurasthenia

• Headache, constant dizziness and autonomic disorders. There is a feeling of squeezing, pulsation, tingling in the temples.
• Discomfort in the chest and heart area. Compression, pain, various rhythm disturbances - tachycardia, bradycardia.
• Pain in the stomach. It may hurt, pull or twist after the experience.
• Deterioration in performance and asthenic syndromes. Weakness, fatigue. Memory and thinking suffer. Chronic feeling of fatigue.
• Nervous pressure changes associated with attacks. It becomes dark in the eyes, I can’t breathe, my head is spinning.
• Loss of coordination. Noticeable external symptoms of neurosis are clumsiness and difficulties in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus.
• Psychalgia. Painful sensations not related to physiology, but caused by anxiety.
• Deterioration in the quality of sexual life. There is a decrease in sexual desire, tension negatively affects potency.
• Speech defects. Stuttering is common.
• Change in appetite. It manifests itself individually as gluttony and refusal of food.

What mental symptoms should be considered if a disorder is suspected:

• Insomnia and difficulty falling asleep;
• Emotional distress without adequate prerequisites;
• Panic attacks, acute reactions and grievances, fear;
• Difficulty making decisions, difficulties communicating, inability to cope with stress;
• Inappropriate reactions to events - aggression or tears;
• Manifestations include incorrect self-esteem - overestimation or underestimation;
• Changes in mood, fatigue, memory loss, irritability are detected;
• ND may include dwelling on an unpleasant situation from the past;
• Inconsistency of life values, dependence of self-perception on temperature changes, loud sounds or bright light.

It is necessary to understand that symptoms do not necessarily include all of the listed events. A comprehensive assessment of manifestations followed by a diagnosis is rational.

Autonomic neurosis

This is a special form of the disease, provoked by a disruption of the autonomic nervous system. As is known, the latter controls the functioning of internal organs and participates in maintaining a normal level of vital activity.

In addition to personality traits, stress factors and overwork, brain injuries, some past infections, and intoxications lead to such a disorder.

A peculiarity of the course of the disease is that its symptoms are similar to those with pathologies of internal organs.

Thus, vascular syndrome manifests itself with surges in blood pressure, increased or decreased heart rate, and headaches.

Changes in the skin in the form of dryness, burning, redness and even the appearance of trophic ulcers are possible.

Autonomic neurosis can manifest itself with the sudden appearance of allergic reactions to previously favorite foods, plants, and usual medications. These may be skin rashes, rhinitis, nosebleeds.

But more often than not, the disease imitates a malfunction of an organ. The following symptoms are possible:

• pain in the heart, palpitations, tachycardia;
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough;
• difficulty swallowing, constipation, diarrhea;
• frequent urination;
• pain in the neck, back;
• decreased visual acuity.

Such disorders are functional in nature. When examined by specialized specialists (cardiologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist), no pathologies are detected. This is an important diagnostic nuance that precedes diagnosis.

Here is a typical example of a neurotic autonomic disorder. The girl received a promotion. There was more work, and we had to work at full capacity. A few months later, she began to suffer from headaches, lethargy and fatigue. With nervous overstrain, it became difficult for her to breathe, she could not take a breath, which caused panic from lack of air. My heart was pounding madly and jumping out of my chest. She underwent all the necessary examinations, but none of them revealed organic pathology.

Treatment methods for neurasthenia

The treatment tactics for neurosis are determined by the doctor depending on the severity of the pathology. In some cases, you can get rid of HP using psychotherapy alone. Properly selected psychologist activities are the fundamental technique for treating neurasthenia. The reversibility of neurosis and a positive reaction to mental influences allows you to quickly achieve healthy thinking. Based on the specifics of the methods, there are:

Pathogenic. Designed to fight the root cause. They help identify conflict, resolve internal contradictions, and mitigate childhood trauma, the consequences of which have become a pathology in adulthood. The most effective methods of therapy are: psychodynamic, systemic, cognitive, integrative.

Symptomatic. They allow you to correct behavior during stressful situations, help lay down the principles of objective perception, and independently stop panic symptoms. They use hypnotherapy, breathing techniques, and relaxing painting.

Sometimes the diagnosis requires medical intervention. Usually, drugs act as a “second fiddle” to achieve rapid physical and mental relief. These products should only be consumed under the supervision of a specialist. The drugs have a wide range of limitations and side effects.

How are neuroses treated?

Treatment of neuroses is primarily carried out with the help of psychotherapy . This is the main tool in overcoming the disease, which cannot be replaced even by medications.

But initially, the impact of the psychotraumatic factor should be canceled. This can be done in two ways:

• the first is to eliminate the situation;
• the second - as in the saying: “If you cannot change the situation, then change your attitude towards it.” This is what psychotherapy does.

There are two types of psychotherapeutic methods: primary and auxiliary.
Basic psychotherapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disorder. The auxiliary method enhances the effect of the main one and consolidates the result. Psychotherapy using purely auxiliary methods is ineffective. Among psychotherapeutic methods, special attention is paid to cognitive behavioral therapy. It is especially effective in the treatment of obsessive neuroses. A technique is used that provokes the client to have obsessive thoughts or actions. It is believed that in this way a person will get used to them, and they will cease to have a frightening character. In addition, this technique allows you to escape from obsessions.

To eliminate anxiety, behavioral therapy uses methods to help change incorrect attitudes, as well as methods of coping with stressful situations. To get rid of phobias, a person is deliberately immersed in a frightening situation. For example, if he is afraid of public speaking, he is forced to give a lecture or report to a group of people.

Other types of psychotherapy are also used:

• existential;
• Gestalt therapy;
• hypnosis;
• art therapy;
• interpersonal therapy;
• psychoanalysis;
• auto-trainings.

Drug treatment of neurotic disorders reinforces and enhances the positive effect of psychotherapy. The following groups of drugs are used:

• Antidepressants are drugs for normalizing mood and eliminating anxious, depressing symptoms. They can be either chemical or plant based. They are able to stop even deep forms of the disorder;
• tranquilizers - there are several classes of such drugs. Some of them are used to eliminate mild neurotic symptoms, while others fight the most obvious manifestations of the disease. Tranquilizers are prescribed in cases where neurosis is accompanied by fears and anxiety;
• neuroleptics are effective for the hysteroid form of the disorder;
• mild depression can be eliminated with herbal remedies and infusions.

Other groups of drugs used for the treatment of nervous disorders include complexes of vitamins and minerals, adaptogenic agents based on Eleutherococcus, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, sedative herbal preparations and sleeping pills.

Physiotherapeutic procedures include:

• massage;
• water and mud therapy;
• electrosleep;
• Darsonvalization.

symptomatic therapy becomes an additional treatment method . It eliminates negative signs that arise in a particular organ. Such drugs can be painkillers, as well as drugs that improve digestion, mild heart medications, and “distraction” tablets - Validol.

For help in the treatment of neuroses, you can contact the Moscow City Psychoendocrinological Center.

Types of drugs for relieving neurosis

• Tranquilizers. Means that reduce emotional anxiety and tension.
• Neuroleptics. Suppress psychomotor agitation, reduce the speed of the brain reaction without loss of consciousness.
• Sedatives. They calm down, relieve hysterical neurosis, and normalize the emotional background.
• Antidepressants. Increases the level of neurotransmitters. This is the main way to combat depression using pills.

When conducting therapy among adults and children, light therapy, long walks in the fresh air, and communication with loved ones are recommended. It is good if the patient is engaged in some activity with pleasure, for example, creativity or handicrafts.

Features of the course in men

Neurosis occurs differently in all people. In women, the hysterical variety is more often found. Characterized by unstable behavior, dramatization of situations, tears and screams. Symptoms when treating neurosis in men who require treatment are somewhat different. They are less likely to encounter a diagnosis, but more often progress the condition to its extreme stages. In representatives of the stronger sex, the diagnosis is often associated with overexertion and workaholism. Common features include:

• Aggression. Reactions to familiar things become acute. A man responds to everyday events with anger.
• Low self-esteem. A person does not believe in himself and is afraid to start a new business.
• Strong self-criticism. They place high and sometimes unattainable demands on themselves.
• Inability to adapt to the situation. Even a small failure unsettles a man with neurosis.

Of particular importance for representatives of the stronger sex is such a manifestation as decreased libido. Sexual life is becoming less and less attractive. In addition, there is a complete or partial absence of erection. This leads to the progression of a nervous disorder and forces one to completely withdraw into oneself. It is important that the male half of society has always been distinguished by hushing up its own problems. Hiding the facts and the lack of measures taken also provokes the development of HP in a man.

Neurotic disorder in children

Neuroses in children are quite common, and more often in boys than in girls. Sometimes their manifestations are difficult to mistake for symptoms of a disease. These are obsessive actions such as pulling out hair, picking your nose with your finger, pulling your earlobe, biting your lip, or sucking your fingers. Childhood neurosis can also manifest itself as compulsive counting. The child counts anything: steps, letters, squares of tiles, but he himself cannot give an explanation why he is doing this.

Other neurotic symptoms include:

• nervous tics - the child seems to wink, shrug his shoulders, stutter;
• fear reaching the point of panic. It is especially noticeable before bedtime. This could be the fear of going to bed, being alone, fear of the dark, fear of going to school;
• hysterics with fits and screams occur when the child’s wishes are not fulfilled;
• urinary incontinence.

Children with neuroses are lethargic, have poor appetite, and suffer from insomnia.

The cause of this condition is very often conflicting relationships in the family, especially the divorce of parents. Another group of provoking factors is a stressful situation accompanied by severe fear: a dog has bitten, a child has witnessed an unpleasant situation. The cause may also be fatigue, both mental and physical.

Other causes include past infections, intoxications, and damage to brain cells.

A child psychiatrist treats children's neurotic disorders. The main method of treatment is still psychotherapy. The following types are used: fairy tale therapy, play therapy, hypnosis. Medications are also used. These are mainly nootropic and restorative drugs, vitamin-mineral complexes, and sedative herbal remedies. Tranquilizers and antidepressants are used extremely rarely.

Parents are required to create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the family for their child. The daily routine should be distributed in such a way that there is enough space for both work and rest. It is very important to moderate your child’s presence on the Internet and be sure to involve him in some kind of sport.

Progress and consequences of late treatment

The development of neurosis does not have a specific time frame. Progress depends on the root cause, current circumstances and the strength of character of the person himself. Experts distinguish three stages:

• Initial. A person reacts poorly to stressful situations. Feels irritated and angry for no reason. May complain to a specialist about sleep problems.
• Moderate (hypersthenic). Characteristic signs are associated with increased excitability. Overexcitation is observed, hysterics and attacks of anger are possible.
• Hyposthenic. Accompanied by loss of interest in life. The patient gets tired excessively and quickly, falls into apathy.

At the first manifestations of HP, it is urgent to conduct a full examination. Long-term non-intervention leads to difficulties in the family and at work, inadequate assessment of personality, and the development of concomitant chronic diseases (disorders of the heart rhythm and the muscle itself, gastrointestinal pathologies, vascular disorders). If a person does not treat neurosis for more than 6-24 months, he may encounter a neurotic personality change. In this case, the condition will be irreversible. Outbursts of anger will increase, self-control will decrease to a minimum, and obsessive-compulsive syndrome may appear.

Neuroses in all their variety

• Psychologists
• Psychologist for adults

Neurosis is the name of a large group of functional disorders of the psyche and nervous system.
The term comes from the ancient Greek word "νεῦρον", which means "nerve", sometimes the synonyms "psychoneurosis" and "neurotic disorder" are used. This concept was introduced into medicine in 1776 by the Scottish physician William Cullen, who considered dysfunction of the nervous system as the true cause of all diseases. Neurosis manifests itself as a violation of the individual’s adaptation to his usual environment. Various dependencies (addictions), the most famous of them are alcoholism, drug addiction and gambling (gaming addiction), also have a neurotic nature.

Clinical manifestations of neuroses can be different.

First of all, these are complaints about mental problems; functional disorders are also recorded,
the most common of which are:

1. constant bad mood, tearfulness, irritability, depression (dysphoria), dysthymia and depression;
2. headache;
3. causeless anxiety, panic attacks, fears and phobias;
4. insomnia (problems falling asleep, shallow sleep, interspersed with frequent awakenings);
5. anorexia, lack of appetite, bulimia and other appetite disorders;
6. asthenic manifestations (weakness, dizziness, inability to concentrate);
7. disorders of the autonomic system (vegetative-vascular dystonia, pressure changes, rapid heartbeat, bloating);
8. inadequate perception (hypersensitivity, depersonalization).

The severity of manifestations of neurosis can vary - from sudden changes in blood pressure or emotional manifestations (tearfulness, hysterics), to hysterical paralysis and demonstrative suicides.

A unified classification of neuroses has not yet been developed.

Representatives of different schools have different views of neurotic disorders, and offer appropriate ways to classify them. Some practicing psychiatrists generally deny “neurosis” as a separate concept, and treat its manifestations using the same antipsychotic drugs that are prescribed to patients with schizophrenia, with which we completely disagree.

The classification of neuroses proposed by Professor V.N. seems optimal. Myasishchev (1960).

This prominent Soviet scientist was the successor of a brilliant galaxy of Russian representatives of the scientific and practical psychotherapeutic school founded by I.P. Pavlov and V.M. Bekhterev and developed in the works of the President of the Russian Psychotherapeutic Association, the main psychotherapist of Russia B.D. Karvasarsky and his followers. Based on scientifically proven materialistic experience, for more than half a century it not only has not lost its relevance, but is finding more and more supporters both among scientists and practicing clinical psychologists.

The trigger for the development of pathology is the coincidence of two factors, the first of which is an intrapersonal conflict, and the second is a stressful situation.

(for example, bereavement, divorce, infidelity or job loss). This type of classification is based on the type of personality conflict that gave rise to neurosis.

Neuroses can be divided into three groups:

1. neurasthenia;
2. neuroses of hysterical type;
3. obsessive-compulsive neuroses (phobic neuroses, obsessive-compulsive neuroses).

Neurasthenia

Neurasthenia was described in 1869 by the American physician G. Beard. The clinical picture at each of the three stages of the disease changes, but they are united by a type of personal conflict that can be called “I want, but I can’t.” In other words, the patient constantly raises the bar for his claims. Such a conflict arises as a result of upbringing in the spirit of a painful desire for personal success without an adequate assessment of resources, mental and physical potential. Exhausting work in conditions of constant frustration leads to increasing mental and physical exhaustion.

First stage

called hypersthenic. At the time of the onset of the disease, the predominance of the processes of excitability and irritability is recorded. The patient becomes irritated by any little things. Difficulties falling asleep are accompanied by shallow, restless sleep with frequent awakenings, and the morning state is groggy. Headaches may occur, squeezing the head with a hoop - the so-called “neurasthenic helmet”.

At the second stage

increased irritability is accompanied by weakness, fatigue and exhaustion. The patient cannot control outbursts of anger and manifestations of negative emotions, which easily turn into a state of apathy and depression. The patient has difficulty concentrating and has problems remembering.

On third

- hyposthenic stage, weakness and exhaustion prevail over excitability. Clinical manifestations of emotional lability in the form of tearfulness, lethargy and apathy are noted. Increased sleepiness is not accompanied by an improvement in the quality of sleep, which still does not bring a feeling of alertness.

Patients in the second and third stages are often prescribed inpatient treatment in a clinical setting

(neurosis department). Therapy consists of the use of tranquilizers and psychotherapy. A change of environment or a stay in a sanatorium gives good results. Drug therapy helps to temporarily eliminate symptoms, so the main effect is provided by psychotherapy, which eliminates intrapersonal conflict.

Zhanna, 37 years old.

Single, has a 13-year-old daughter. Runs his own business. She has been in a relationship for 10 years with her deputy, whom she hired as a driving instructor. He really wants to “legalize” his relationship, but he does not leave the family, citing a feeling of guilt in front of the children. The patient called her lover's wife and talked about their relationship. To which she replied that she was aware and very grateful to her, because thanks to the job her husband received, they moved to a new apartment and their children can study at prestigious universities.

At the time of treatment, she was worried about tearfulness, apathy, a feeling of a lump in the throat and insomnia. A course of GI therapy was carried out. My mood improved and my sleep was restored. A conversation took place with the deputy. He decided to start a new family.

Hysteria (hysterical neurosis)

The disease “hysteria” was first described by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, its name comes from the ancient Greek ὑστέρα (hystera), which means “uterus”. Clinical manifestations of the disease are pronounced emotional and demonstrative reactions. Symptoms can vary and resemble a variety of diseases. There are tears and screams, uncontrollable laughter, convulsions, paralysis, loss of sensitivity, hearing and vision, darkened consciousness, uncontrolled sexual activity, etc. Intrapersonal conflict can be formulated as “I want, but they don’t give it.”

In this case, there are inflated expectations from the society surrounding the individual. The subjective feeling of lack of attention results in a constant demand for it, while unconscious reactions of the psyche and the body as a whole appear. Outwardly, this may look completely different from how the mass consciousness describes hysteria, accompanied by streams of tears, violent scandals and loss of control over one’s actions. Often, the patient seeks attention from others through mental suffering and physical weakness. In some cases, seizures may unknowingly reproduce the clinical picture of organic brain damage with dizziness, loss of consciousness and vomiting.

The origins of the conflict are again found in childhood.

A child who has experienced a lack of love may try to make up for it by choosing a hysterical, neurotic model of behavior. It should be noted that love in this case is a manifestation of interest, care and attention. Often parents, who satisfy all the material needs of the child, but do not devote their personal time to him, do not even suspect that the child feels disadvantaged. Expensive gifts, which are used to try to pay off children’s obsessive demands for attention, cannot serve as a worthy replacement for joint games, walks and intimate conversations.

Severe forms of hysterical neurosis usually require hospitalization in a clinic

(department) of neuroses. During treatment, medications are used - tranquilizers and weak neuroleptics. The main method that actually cures hysteria is psychotherapy. Sanatorium-resort treatment has a positive effect only in the process of rehabilitation, and the staff must have a qualified psychotherapist or clinical psychologist.

Modern treatment methods used in our clinic make it possible to achieve cure on an outpatient basis without resorting to hospitalization.

Elena, 43 years old.

Complaints of constant tearfulness, feelings of weakness, fear, uncertainty. Periodic headaches. A year ago, my husband, a businessman, said that he decided to live alone; he was not satisfied with the constant “brain drain” from his wife. He rented an apartment and lives in it separately. The husband refused family psychotherapy.

A course of GI psychotherapy was conducted. Personal attitudes and attitudes towards what is happening around have changed. My mood improved and I had a conversation with my husband. He began to come to his wife more often. After 1.5 I decided to return home.

Obsessive-compulsive neurosis (phobic, obsessive-compulsive neurosis)

The term “obsessive-compulsive” is formed by combining the Latin words obsessio - “to embrace” and “compello” - “to force.” This type of neurosis is characterized by the presence of frightening thoughts (obsessions) and obsessive actions (compulsions) with which the patient tries to suppress the anxiety that arises.

The clinical manifestations of this disease were described by Hippocrates, who attributed them to melancholy. Medieval doctors considered patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder to be possessed.

Symptoms of the disease may vary,

for example, frequent hand washing, fear of flying on an airplane, obsessive thoughts like “did I turn off the iron” and “did I lock the door”, involuntary movements (tics). All kinds of phobias (fears) form a separate group. The disease can occur in early childhood, manifesting itself as fears or nervous tics.

The basis for the development of the disease is an intrapersonal conflict of the “I want, but I don’t allow myself” type.

The main reason is the suppression of manifestations of desires and natural needs due to moral, ethical and other norms. Neurosis develops as a result of the inability to resolve motivational conflict and create effective psychological defense.

Severe forms of obsessive-compulsive neurosis are accompanied by pronounced symptoms, for the relief of which tranquilizers and antidepressants are prescribed. However, in many cases, addiction to the medicine occurs, and the symptoms return again, since the intrapersonal conflict that gave rise to the neurosis has not been eliminated. Only treatment with a good psychotherapist can provide a lasting positive effect. Balneotherapy and spa treatment can only serve as auxiliary means.

Valery, 45 years old.

He complained of attacks of fear, like panic attacks, and a feeling of anxiety that the attack would start again. He is engaged in the construction business, but in the last six months things have been going badly. The thought of quitting the business constantly came to mind, but the feeling of responsibility for the employees prevented this from happening.

I started taking a course of “breathing of liberation”. He interrupted him, saying that he was not helping. I went to the City Psychiatric Hospital No. 7 “Clinic of Neuroses” for inpatient treatment. I was treated there for 1 month. He took tranquilizers and antidepressants. Felt better. After 2 months, even while taking medications, the fears resumed. His condition began to drive him into depression. He returned to psychotherapy again and completed the course of GI psychotherapy to the end. The fear began to weaken and then disappeared. It was decided to get rid of the construction business and new directions were identified.

All neuroses are treated at Dr. Golubev’s clinic

Psychotherapist G.G. Golubev developed an effective approach to the treatment of neuroses, which is successfully used in the clinic he founded. The fundamental principle underlying it provides for a psychological impact on the physical processes occurring in the human body, according to the scheme “PSYCHE - PHYSIOLOGY - PSYCHE”. Due to the psychotherapeutic effect on the processes of self-regulation of the body, the work of the central nervous system is normalized at the neurotransmitter level, as a result of which mental processes are normalized.

Treatment in hospital

A pronounced positive effect comes from conducting therapy in the clinic. All conditions for a comfortable stay have been created here. Surveillance is carried out around the clock. The inpatient treatment program includes:

• Carrying out diagnostics. Basic techniques will allow you to identify chronic pathologies that can cause neurosis.
• Sessions of general and individual psychotherapy. The result of treatment largely depends on the work of the psychologist.
• Monitoring the intake of pharmacological agents. At home, it is not always possible to comply with the regimen and dosage of medications.
• Related techniques to normalize the condition. Listening to music, drawing, reading literature can have a beneficial effect on the patient.

It is important that the patient will be cut off from pathogenic society: intensive work, conflicts at home and domestic quarrels. This will also have a beneficial effect on the healing process. Affordable prices and guaranteed results make hospital treatment a priority in getting rid of neurosis.

The harm of self-medication

Many people try to get treatment based on advice taken from a dubious website. Following such recommendations and taking measures on your own is extremely dangerous. The following situations may occur in response to improper treatment:

• Progression of neurosis;
• Development of a persistent irreversible disorder;
• The appearance of other chronic diseases;
• Suicidal thoughts;
• Drug poisoning;
• Problems in society;
• Damaged relationships with loved ones and colleagues.

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.

Prevention

Primary and secondary prevention of HP plays an important role. Even after complete recovery, it is important to follow recommendations to prevent relapse. The prevention program involves actions such as:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, adherence to sleep and rest, and exercise are the main pillars of a healthy nervous system. Narcotic substances are strictly prohibited. You should not drink alcohol regularly or in large quantities. It is advisable to completely give up tobacco products.
• Prevention of traumatic effects. One of the main goals is to minimize stress, avoid conflicts, and maintain a favorable emotional atmosphere.
• Following the principles of proper education. You should not instill in children the idea of ​​their exclusivity and superiority or, conversely, artificially diminish their successes and merits.
• Maintaining adequate lighting. A banal lack of light often leads to the appearance of the first signs of neurosis and depression. It is worth giving up thick curtains and using bright lighting in the evening. Light helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has a positive effect on mood.
• Timely detection and treatment of pathologies. It is important to be regularly examined and urgently stop disorders of the endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and other systems. Advanced pathologies significantly increase the risk of nervous disorder.

Causes of nervous system breakdown

The development of the disease is facilitated by many factors that can be divided into groups.

Biological factors primarily include poor heredity. Also on the list:

• severe pregnancy of the mother, infectious diseases she suffered during this time;
• difficult childbirth associated with injuries to the baby;
• features of the nervous system;
• lack of sleep;
• physical and emotional exhaustion;
• lack of rest, relaxation;
• intoxication of the body with alcohol, tobacco or other substances;
• lack of vitamins;
• somatic diseases.

The psychological causes of the development of neurasthenia are psychological trauma received in childhood. In addition, it also contributes to:

• sudden stress under circumstances important to the individual, personal tragedy;
• long-term psychotraumatic situation, conflict;
• pessimistic mood.

Social factors cannot be avoided:

• characteristics of the family environment in childhood, upbringing, conditions of growing up;
• receiving a large flow of information, the processing of which requires special conditions and a lot of time;
• unique social circle, interests;
• dissatisfaction of personal aspirations.