Last Updated on June 8, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
Neurotic behaviour or neurosis is associated with a person who is overly anxious or vigilant. The meaning of the term neurosis has changed over time. In the past, neurosis referred to a mental illness other than psychosis.
But today, neurosis is considered a personality trait. Since neurosis is pretty common, you need to learn in detail about it.
Defining Neurosis
Neurosis or anxiety neurosis can be linked to a variety of mental diseases causing excessive anxiety. Anxiety can be described as a sensation of worry or fear about the chance of something going wrong. A neurotic individual usually has an anxiety-led response to a particular scenario.
In neurotic patients, the response gets amplified and goes out of proportion according to the requirements of the situation. Neurotic individuals usually emphasise negative emotional stakes. These individuals have a tendency to internalise their phobias and issues.
They will be exhibiting behaviour which does not seem normal according to societal norms. Neurosis occurs in different forms and is usually triggered by stress or anxiety.
Types of Neurotic Disorders
People with neurotic personalities are usually diagnosed with a few common mental health conditions. Some of them are as follows:
- Anxiety
Anxiety is pretty normal in individuals, and almost everyone experiences it at some point or the other. For instance, someone might be feeling anxious about starting a new job or appearing for a competitive exam. But at times, anxiety can be so severe that it impacts the daily life of an individual.
Continuous worrying, concentration difficulties, sleep issues, and restlessness are all issues that indicate an anxiety disorder. Symptoms like these can make a person isolated and far removed from social activities and interactions.
When not controlled, anxiety disorders can be highly distressing. They can trigger physical problems like sleeping problems and panic attacks.
Neurotic people usually feel anxious and have a tendency to overthink. Therefore, they are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder like panic disorder or generalised anxiety disorder.
Anxiety symptoms are usually frustrating and often seem irrational. But having the patience to talk a neurotic or anxious person through an issue is key to calming them down.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is described as a frequent compulsion to repeat a behaviour. Usually, the behaviour stems from obsessive or intrusive thoughts. Obsessive feelings and thoughts vary across people.
For some people, it can be a feeling of disgust or annoyance after seeing certain pictures. For some people, it can be the need to do a certain activity to keep obsessive thoughts at bay.
Some OCD behaviours can include the need to check doors and windows multiple times before leaving home due to the fear that intruders will break in. Another typical OCD behaviour is checking whether a sleeping person or baby is breathing.
OCD is pretty debilitating, and most people with OCD are too ashamed to seek medical help. However, it’s important to understand that there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Neurotic individuals usually obsess over things and can show signs of compulsive thoughts. This particular form of neurosis is often referred to as obsessive-compulsive neurosis.
Poor impulse control is also a major symptom of a neurotic personality. Since neurotic individuals are more doubtful and self-critical, they are more likely to develop OCD.
- Depression
Depression affects thousands of people, and it is considered a mood disorder. At times, depression can be brought about by various factors like loss and grief. But sometimes, people get affected by depression without any specific cause.
Depression can be defined as having a low mood continuously. Depressed people find no joy or excitement in life for months or weeks and keep feeling sad, guilty, anxious, irritated, and unmotivated.
Everyone feels sad from time to time. However, when these feelings are persistent, it can be an indication of clinical depression.
Neurotic people usually feel anxious, guilty, and irritable and have a tendency to react to environmental stressors poorly. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer from depression and become more inclined toward unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Symptoms of Neurosis
Several people exhibit neurotic behaviour without even knowing it. But people who they spend time with will be able to pick up their symptoms of neurosis with time. The common signs and symptoms of neurosis are as follows:
Complaining about physical problems when there are no prominent symptoms
- Stressing over small things
- Having obsessive thoughts or ruminating
- A constant need to be perfect
- Being overly dependent or needy
- Sudden bouts of road rage
- Showing drama queen behaviour
- Being envious of other people
- Failing to manage basic needs
- Obsessing over the health or safety of a child
- Difficulties with relationships
Final Words
Neurotic behaviour or neurosis can be managed by psychotherapy as well as medications. If you are looking for the best treatment for neurosis, consult the medical experts at Apollo Hospitals.
