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

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Treatment of neurosis is associated with a number of difficulties. After all, neurosis is a separate group of functional psychogenic disorders that last for a long time. Almost any modern clinic of neuroses has its own definition of this term, since there is still no single standard on this issue. However, the generally accepted point of view characterizes neurosis as a functional disorder of the nervous system.

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Treatment of neurosis in the Primorsky region

Address: St. Petersburg , Primorsky district, st. Repisheva, 13

Treatment of neurosis in the Petrograd region

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Treatment of neurosis in the Krasnogvardeysky district

Address: St. Petersburg , Krasnogvardeisky district, Novocherkassky pr., 33 building 3

Treatment of neurosis in Vsevolozhsk

Address: Vsevolozhsk , Oktyabrsky Prospekt, 96 A

Institute of Clinical Psychiatry and Psychology

Treatment of neurosis

How can you help a person in a state of neurosis?

A person experiencing neurosis needs help from loved ones. The patient needs support both during exacerbation of the disease and during remission. First aid for an attack of neurosis

One of the most effective methods of helping a patient during neurosis is verbal support.
To alleviate suffering, a number of rules should be followed when talking with a sick person. Recommendations that should be followed when supporting a person with neurosis are:

• You should not try to start a conversation first. It is necessary to be close to the sick person and let him know that he is not alone. The desire to speak out may arise spontaneously in a patient with neurosis, and it is important not to miss this moment. Don’t ask cliched questions or say phrases like “Do you want to talk about this?” or “Trust me.” Sometimes help involves turning off the light, bringing a glass of water, or attending to other needs of the patient.
• If the patient allows, you should stroke his arms and back. This will help establish closer contact with the person.
• If a neurotic ( a person with a neurotic disorder
  ) begins to talk about his experiences, it is necessary to give him words of encouragement. You should try to make the patient talk more about his internal sensations, feelings and emotions that bother him.
• Regardless of what the patient says, it is worth letting him know that his experiences are normal. Encouraging a neurotic person to not be ashamed of his tears and sincere emotions is the main task that his loved ones should set for themselves.
• You should not clarify details or ask leading questions. But if a person with neurosis begins to talk about what worries him, you should listen to him carefully and show your participation in the conversation. A good way of support is a personal story in which a relative of the patient can talk about similar moments he experienced. You should avoid standard phrases like “I understand how hard it is for you now” or “the same thing happened to me.” All suffering and experiences are individual, and even the closest people cannot be aware of what a neurotic person is experiencing. The best option would be the phrase: “It’s not easy for you now, but I’ll be there and help you get through it.”

In addition to emotional support, a patient with neurosis can benefit from physical measures aimed at relieving physical stress and diverting attention from the stress factor. Relieving muscle tension during neurosis

During stress, various muscle groups tense, which provokes discomfort and increases the level of anxiety.
Being close to the patient, a loved one can offer him help in carrying out exercises that will promote relaxation. Muscle relaxation techniques include:

• normalization of breathing;
• massage;
• exercise to calm down;
• water procedures.

Breathing regulation

In stressful situations, the patient involuntarily begins to hold exhalation, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood.
The result of such actions is an increased feeling of anxiety and a deterioration in physical well-being. To alleviate the condition of a neurotic person, during an attack you should help him normalize the respiratory process. Ways to regulate breathing are:

• cross breathing;
• belly breathing;
• breathing into a paper bag.

Cross breathing
The stages of the cross breathing procedure are:

• close your right nostril with your fingers and take a deep breath with your left;
• close your left nostril with your fingers and exhale air with your right;
• repeat the exercise 3 times;
• Next, you should close your left nostril and draw in air with your right;
• close your right nostril and exhale with your left;
• repeat the exercise 3 times.

Belly breathing

To carry out this exercise, a person with a neurotic disorder should be asked to fold his arms so that one hand is on top and the other is on the bottom of the abdomen.
Next, at counts 1,2,3, the patient needs to draw in air and inflate his stomach. On the count of 4.5 you need to hold your breath, and then exhale on the count of 6,7,8,9,10. The exhalation should be long and more extended than the inhalation. The person next to the neurotic person should recite the count out loud, making sure that the patient inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth. Breathing into a Paper Bag
Breathing through a paper bag will help reduce the amount of oxygen that enters the lungs and increase the amount of carbon dioxide.
This will allow the patient to normalize the respiratory process and return to normal. To start breathing, you need to put the bag to your face and press it tightly with your hands so that air does not enter inside. After this, you should ask the patient to start inhaling and exhaling into the bag until breathing returns to normal. An alternative to a paper bag can be cupped palms placed over the neurotic’s mouth and nose. Massage for neurosis
Massaging certain muscle groups helps to get rid of physical and emotional stress.
The muscles of the neck, shoulders, and head are the most vulnerable to stress. It is in these areas that patients feel tightness at the time of anxiety most strongly. Before starting the massage, you should ask the patient to wash his face with cold water and take a comfortable position in a chair or armchair. A person helping a neurotic person should begin the massage with the shoulders and neck. To do this, you can use gentle tapping and kneading movements. After the tension in your shoulders and neck has subsided, you need to start massaging your temples with light circular movements. All actions during the massage should be coordinated with the patient’s sensations. If he experiences discomfort, the session should be stopped. After the temporal zone, you need to proceed to the points that are located on the inner corners of the eyebrows. You need to massage with the tip of the index or middle finger of your right hand. In this case, it is necessary to support the patient’s head from behind with your left hand. When performing a massage, it should be taken into account that the duration of pressure on one point should not exceed 45 seconds. After the eyes, you should proceed to the scalp. You need to massage in a circular motion, moving from the hair growth area to the crown, then to the neck and back. Muscle relaxation
One of the effective methods to get rid of muscle tightness during stress is progressive muscle relaxation.
This method includes two stages - tension and subsequent relaxation of various muscle groups. The help of a loved one consists of sequentially indicating the parts of the body that need to be tensed and relaxed. The assistant can also turn on relaxing music, dim the lights, or fulfill the patient’s request, which will help him better concentrate on performing the exercises. The parts of the body that need to be consistently tensed and relaxed are:

• right foot ( if the patient is left-handed, he should start with the left foot
  );
• left foot;
• right shin;
• left shin;
• right thigh;
• left thigh;
• thighs, buttocks;
• rib cage;
• back;
• right arm, including hand;
• left arm with hand;
• neck;
• shoulders;
• facial muscles.

To begin the session, it is necessary to help the patient get rid of shoes and clothes that hinder his movements. The body position can be either horizontal ( lying on the sofa or on the floor

), and semi-vertical (
sitting in a chair or on a chair
).
The choice depends on the patient's personal preferences. Next, tense your right foot. The patient should be asked to squeeze the muscles as hard as he can. After 5 seconds, the foot should be relaxed and held in this state for several seconds. Such actions should be carried out with all parts of the body, taking into account the condition of a person with a neurotic disorder. Water procedures
Water has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
You can increase the effectiveness of water procedures using essential oils of those plants that have a sedative or tonic effect. Types of water procedures for neurosis are:

• inhalation;
• wraps;
• baths.

Inhalations

To carry out this procedure, pour half a liter of hot water into a deep bowl made of glass, ceramic or steel and add 10 drops of essential oil.
Cover the patient's head with a terry towel and ask him to inhale the steam for 5 to 7 minutes. After completing the procedure, the face of a person with neurosis must be wiped dry. After inhalation, you should lie down and refrain from going outside for an hour. Wraps
This procedure has a gentle effect on the body and is widely practiced for neuroses.
Add 10 drops of essential oil to a container of warm water in the amount of 2 liters. Soak a sheet made of natural fibers in the liquid, wring it out and wrap it around the patient’s body. The duration of stay in the sheet is no more than 15 – 20 minutes. Baths
A bath with the addition of essential oils will help get rid of muscle pain.
Also, such procedures have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. In order for the essential oil to be better distributed in the water, you should mix it with table or sea salt, honey, and cream. The duration of the first bath should not exceed 10 minutes. Subsequently, the session can be increased to 15 minutes. The water temperature should be selected according to the patient's condition. At 30 degrees the bath has a tonic and invigorating effect, at 37 degrees it has a calming effect. To prevent the bath from causing a worsening of the condition, these procedures should not be performed after meals or at a body temperature above 37 degrees. Contraindications for baths with essential oils are skin lesions, epilepsy, diabetes, and cancer. Essential oils for neurosis
Before carrying out any procedures using essential oils, you should conduct a test to identify the patient's allergy to this product.
To do this, apply a drop of oil to the crook of your elbow. Signs of intolerance to essential oils are shortness of breath, increased heart rate, redness of the skin, and headache. Essential oils that can be used for water procedures for neurosis are
:

• anise oil – eliminates tearfulness, fights stress and reduces nervous system excitement;
• orange oil – promotes healthy sleep, improves mood;
• basil oil – normalizes the overall tone of the body;
• clove oil – eliminates headaches, helps restore strength after physical and mental fatigue;
• jasmine oil – promotes sound and healthy sleep;
• lavender oil – fights depression, reduces nervous system excitement;
• Rose oil – increases performance and causes a feeling of vigor.

Distraction from stress

A patient with a neurotic disorder tends to focus his attention on internal sensations, which aggravates his condition.
A close environment can help the patient switch attention to other factors, which will make the fight against neurosis more effective. Factors that can distract the patient during an attack are:

• Concentration of attention on surrounding objects
  - the patient should be asked to take a verbal inventory of everything in the room. It is necessary to ask the patient to describe in detail the furniture, accessories, textiles, and toys. You can remember the stories associated with the purchase or use of each item.
• Performing daily duties
  - if the patient’s physical condition allows, you should try to involve him in cleaning, washing dishes or preparing food.
• Hobby
  – doing what you love will allow you to escape from internal stress.
• Music
  – calm music will help you relax and take your mind off negative thoughts. Listening to music can be combined with doing household chores or other activities.
• Counting
  – counting the days remaining until a vacation or other event will allow you to take your mind off stress. The patient can also be asked to draw up an estimate for the planned repairs and other topics of interest to him that require concentration and a rational approach.
• Games
  - board games, logic games and other types of games will help a neurotic person reduce their anxiety level.

Help in preventing neurosis

The participation of family members and loved ones in the prevention of neurotic disorders will help prevent relapses (
repeated exacerbations
) of this disease.
Actions that relatives of a neurotic person can take for preventive purposes are:

• a joint visit to a psychotherapist;
• control of medication intake;
• assistance in changing lifestyle.

Doctor's help for neurosis

In most cases, neuroses arise against the background of a large number of factors, which only a doctor can understand.
The specialist will determine the causes of the disease and prescribe treatment. The difficulty is that many people are resistant and do not want to see a therapist. Close people should act without pressure, gently explaining to the patient that they are worried about his health. An impressive argument in favor of visiting a doctor will be the fact that the specialist works anonymously. If this is possible, relatives of the neurotic person can arrange the first meeting with the doctor on neutral territory or in a place where the patient will not feel constrained. Taking medications
If a doctor prescribes medications, relatives should ensure that the medications are available at home and monitor their use by the patient.
When prescribing serious psychotropic drugs, loved ones should study contraindications and side effects to prevent trouble. Lifestyle for neurotic disorders
Improper lifestyle is a factor that aggravates neurosis.
Therefore, the patient’s environment should help him change his habits and lifestyle. The rules of life with neurosis are:

• Balanced diet
  - the patient’s menu should include a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats so that the body is provided with energy. The condition of a neurotic person can be aggravated by alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, and caffeine. Also, you should not abuse fatty, salty, spicy and fried foods.
• Physical activity
  – people with neurosis benefit from physical activity. The effectiveness of classes increases if they are carried out in the fresh air. This could be roller skating, jogging or walking in the park, or cycling. The presence of a loved one nearby is an effective motivation to systematically play sports.
• Timely and healthy rest
  - sleep has a great influence on the restoration of the nervous system, preventing overstrain and emotional breakdowns. The benefits of a good night's sleep cannot be offset by other means. Therefore, family members of a neurotic person should assist in normalizing his sleep. Ways to help ensure an effective night's rest include a relaxing bath before bed, a regularly ventilated bedroom, and no caffeine or tobacco products at least 6 hours before bedtime.
• Having a hobby
  - doing what you love helps you take your mind off problems at work or other unpleasant factors.
  The close environment may interest the patient by inviting him to do some activities together ( embroidery, fishing, cooking
  ) or visiting a gym, dance studio, or gun range.
• Limiting the influence of external negative factors
  - in a family where a person with neurosis lives, watching horror films and listening to heavy music should be minimized.

General recommendations for relatives of patients who suffer from neurotic disorders

Patients with neurosis often feel lonely and abandoned. Such people rarely seek help because they experience self-doubt and confusion. Neurotics often get offended over trifles and make scandals for no reason. Being around such people can be very difficult. Relatives must understand that their relative is going through a difficult period and needs support and care. At critical moments, those around the neurotic should stock up on endurance and patience. There is no need to provoke conflicts and focus attention on the mistakes made by the neurotic.

Psychotherapy for neurosis

Psychotherapy is the main method of treating neuroses, in which the patient is influenced not by medications, but by information. With this method of treatment, the main effect is on the patient’s psyche. There are many methods of psychotherapy, which differ in the number of participants in it ( group and individual

), by task (
search and corrective
), and so on.
For various forms of neurosis, the psychotherapist chooses the technique that, in his opinion, is most effective in this case. The most commonly used methods of psychotherapy for neuroses are:

• group therapy;
• art therapy;
• autogenic training;
• psychodrama;
• psychoanalysis.

Group therapy

With this type of therapy, classes take place in groups of 6–8 people, which are held 1–2 times a week.
During the sessions, the features of various situations and conflicts that patients tell are analyzed, and ways to overcome neurosis are considered. Each participant talks about how he copes with the disease. The main focus is on the fact that neurosis is a completely curable disease. One of the options for group therapy is intrafamily therapy, in which the conversation is carried out among members of the entire family. The effectiveness of family psychotherapy is very high, since it establishes the source of mental trauma. Knowing the traumatic factor, it becomes easier to improve the climate in the family. It is not only the therapist who influences, but also all members of the discussion. Art therapy
Treatment with various art methods (
visual, theatrical, musical
) to reduce stress.
This achievement in art therapy is called sublimation. This means that the energy of internal tension, which the patient relieves himself, is redirected to achieving certain goals in art. At the same time, the abilities of self-expression and self-knowledge develop. Autogenic training
This is a method of self-hypnosis in which relaxation is initially achieved, and then suggestions are made on various functions of the body.
Sessions are carried out lying or sitting, the arm muscles relax. Then follows a series of exercises aimed at reducing tension. For example, the patient lies down on the couch and repeats the phrase “The body is heavy” a certain number of times, then “I am completely calm.” When the patient is completely relaxed, ri, “heaviness,” and “warmth” are asked. In order to master this technique, the patient sometimes needs several months. The advantage of this method is that it can be done at home using an audio recording. Using this method, you can learn to control not only your mental processes, but also physiological ones ( for example, breathing
).
This therapy is very effective for neurasthenia. Psychodrama
This method uses dramatic improvisation to explore the patient's inner world in more detail.
Psychodrama is used both in group therapy and in individual therapy ( monodrama
).
The session initially begins with a warm-up, to achieve which various games and exercises are performed. Then there is a choice of a participant who will work on his problem in a psychodramatic action. This participant can choose a partner from the group to play out his situation. The drama lasts 30 minutes – 2 hours. In psychodrama, both real actions and actions from the past can be played out. Psychoanalysis
There are more than 20 concepts of modern psychoanalysis.
Classical psychoanalysis is based on the verbalization of thoughts through various associations, narration of dreams and fantasies. At this time, the psychotherapist is trying to analyze the unconscious conflicts that are the cause of neurosis. Thus, an analysis of complexes, desires and experiences repressed into the unconscious takes place. The stages of psychoanalysis are:

• Stage 1 – accumulation of material by interpreting dreams and making associations;
• Stage 2 – interpretation, by interpreting conflict situations;
• Stage 3 – resistance analysis;
• Stage 4 – development and restructuring of the psyche.

To analyze the received data ( for example, dreams

) Freudian psychoanalytic symbolism is often used.
Freud's symbols are:

• ring road - hopelessness of the situation;
• wall is an obstacle;
• snake, canes, skyscrapers ( straight, hard objects
  ) – phallic symbols (
  symbols of the penis
  );
• hats, caves are symbols of female genital organs;
• ladder - career path.

Opinions about the effectiveness of this method are mixed. Some experts say that psychoanalysis is more effective than other methods of psychotherapy. Others deny the “theory of the unconscious” and, as a consequence, the method of psychoanalysis itself.

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Source: https://www.polismed.com/articles-nevroz-prichiny-simptomy-lechenie.html

Causes

It is believed that a number of physical factors, as well as psychological stimuli, lead to disorders. The most common include:

• extreme mental stress, especially in childhood, can provoke the onset of the disease;
• strong emotional disturbances. These can be situations of a very diverse nature: divorce, death of a relative, loss of a job - all of them provoke mental disorders in an adult;
• a difficult, problematic situation that is aggravated by pressure from other people. For example, loan debt. As a result, a prolonged stressful state, which may require treatment for neurosis in St. Petersburg;
• a permanent feeling of guilt arising from mistakes or negligence that led to serious consequences. Constantly being in a state of guilt, first of all before oneself, creates a negative emotional background;
• diseases that weaken the body;
• alcohol and drug addiction.

Stress

As a rule, neuroses arise due to the influence of psychosocial stressors of varying severity (from mild, for example, a quarrel, to severe, for example, the death of a loved one, or being in conditions of military operations, natural disasters, etc.). However, psychosocial stress alone is not enough to cause neurosis. “The grain falls on fertile soil,” that is, for neurosis to occur there must be a predisposition.

The stress factor that caused neurosis has an individually significant symbolic meaning for the sick person. This meaning can only be understood through the process of psychotherapy. Neurosis does not occur immediately after stress, but usually after some, sometimes prolonged, processing of a stressful event with an inability to subsequently adapt to it. The greater the predisposition, the less stress is sufficient for the development of neurosis.

Predisposition to the development of neuroses is determined both biologically (disorders of circadian rhythms, quantitative and/or qualitative deficiency of the “calming” substance of the brain - gamma-aminobutyric acid, female gender, children, adolescents and the elderly, physical exhaustion, somatic diseases, etc.) and psychological reasons (educational disorders, psychotrauma in early childhood, disorders in personality formation). Psychological predisposition is of greatest importance for the development of neuroses.

The following may predispose to neurosis:

• a tendency to think in a certain way, for example, a need for approval, a belief in one’s inability;
• some stereotypes of handling emotions, for example, such psychological defenses as repressing unpleasant or too exciting feelings, isolating thinking from feelings, shifting fear from internal feelings to external objects, etc.
• some behavioral strategies: for example, suppression of emotions, aggressiveness, avoidance.

Social instability can also contribute to the development of neuroses.

Neurosis: signs

Proper treatment of neurosis involves collecting anamnesis, i.e. information about the history of the disease, the patient’s daily living conditions, and troubling symptoms. These include the following manifestations:

• indecision;
• irritability;
• feeling of fear, anxiety without objective reasons;
• fixation on certain situations;
• frequent mood changes;
• communication problems;
• panic attacks and phobias;
• inadequate self-esteem;
• excessive cynicism;
• an uncertain or contradictory system of life values;
• sleep disturbance;
• vulnerability and touchiness
• problems with appetite;
• decreased libido and potency.

This is by no means a complete list of symptoms. In each individual case, the disease manifests itself with an individual set of symptoms, which must be understood by a qualified doctor.

Safe pharmacological therapy

It is prescribed strictly according to indications and in compliance with the principles of monotherapy (when only one drug is prescribed, carefully selected taking into account individual characteristics). We regulate the effectiveness of its effect on the body by determining the level of concentration in the blood. This allows you to enter the “therapeutic window” - calculate the dosage so accurately that it gives a therapeutic effect, but is minimal, which makes it possible to avoid side effects. In treatment, we use only modern, tested and proven drugs, of which we are confident.

Forms of the disease

It is customary to distinguish the following forms of psychogenic disorders:

• neurasthenia. It is characterized by constant headaches, increased vulnerability, fatigue, and periodic problems with maintaining attention. There are three stages of neurasthenia. At the first stage, there is increased irritability for no reason, while maintaining mental and physical performance. At the second stage of neurasthenia, a decrease in performance appears, which leads to a worsening of the general mental state. The third stage is characterized by pronounced apathy and weakness, which leads to asthenic syndrome (a state of increased fatigue);
• hysterical form. This form is characterized by hysterical convulsive seizures, hyperkinesis (involuntary movements), paralysis, paresis (partial paralysis). Hysterical arthralgia (joint pain), vomiting or a “lump in the throat” also occurs. The patient, even in a calm environment, remains irritable and nervous. He reacts inadequately to what is happening, which manifests itself in the form of an affective mental attack, i.e. rolling on the floor, screaming, attempting suicide or causing physical harm to others;
• depressive neurosis. It manifests itself in the form of sleep disturbances, painful sensations, gloomy mood, and tearfulness. Physiological manifestations include heartbeat disturbances, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and dizziness. Some patients experience partial loss of performance;
• obsessive states. Characteristic are thoughts and actions that are perceived by the patient as alien, but do not go away over time and are practically uncontrollable;
• hypochondriacal form. It is expressed in the form of a painful fear of getting into a hopeless situation or getting sick with a serious illness. Often manifests itself in the form of hysteria or obsessive states. A characteristic feature is the patient’s fixation on his health. The patient constantly undergoes medical examinations and reads specialized medical literature.

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.

Treatment of neuroses in St. Petersburg

Medical is a neurosis clinic in St. Petersburg, which specializes in advanced methods of treating the entire spectrum of forms of this disease. At your service:

• more than 40 psychiatrists, as well as 100 specialists in other areas of medicine;
• a modern hospital with everything necessary for high-quality and comfortable treatment;
• own technical base, including equipment for diagnostics and procedures;
• wide geography. Our medical centers are located in three districts of the city, in addition, we operate a neurosis clinic in Vsevolozhsk;
• the whole range of modern medicines. We have the right to prescribe absolutely all types of drugs, which is allowed only to a few non-state medical institutions.

Borderline disorders

Neuroses are called borderline mental disorders, and they are on the border between mental health (as Freud said: “to be healthy means to be able to love and work creatively”) and severe mental illness (with disturbances in reflecting the outside world and oneself).

Neuroses are widespread in modern society, often combined with other mental symptoms. Neuroses often complicate a person's ability to achieve anything in life, as well as to enjoy relationships with people.

Cost of treating neuroses: