The story of a woman who experienced depression, panic attacks, an eating disorder and suicide attempts

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Is neurosis curable? In most cases, yes, neurosis is a completely reversible disease. The only question is finding a competent, experienced specialist.

A psychotherapist treats neuroses.

Symptoms of neurosis may be signs of neurological, endocrine diseases, or hide other mental disorders (for example, depression). Therefore, the psychotherapist prescribes treatment only after diagnosis. Read more about diagnosing neuroses.

What and how is neurosis treated? The basis of treatment is psychotherapy. If necessary and with the consent of the patient, the doctor prescribes medications that relieve symptoms (this can take up to several weeks even with adequately prescribed medications). But it is non-drug methods that finally help to cope with the cause of neurosis and defeat the disease: individual psychotherapy, biofeedback therapy.

Important

Treatment of severe, protracted forms of neurosis can take a long time. A competent doctor ends therapy only when the chances of the disease returning are minimal.

How long does it take to treat neurosis? The duration of treatment is determined individually. Depending on the severity of the disorder, complete recovery may take from several weeks to a year. This depends on many factors:

• personal characteristics of a person - many deny the disease to the last, taking medications occasionally;
• duration and severity of the disease;
• competent support of relatives;
• specialist qualifications.

Causes and manifestations of neuroses

The cause of the development of disorders is external or internal conflicts, psycho-emotional stress, or the influence of factors that provoke psychological trauma. The clinical picture is distinguished by obsessive, asthenic or hysterical manifestations. In addition, the patient experiences a transient decline in cognitive abilities and physical performance. People whose psyche is unstable are more susceptible to this pathology. Treatment of physiological manifestations of neurosis is mainly medicinal. In general, these disorders are best treated in a comprehensive manner (with the participation of an experienced psychotherapist).

The main groups of drugs for the drug treatment of neuroses:

• tranquilizers;
• antidepressants;
• nootropics;
• sedative herbal medicines.

Types of neuroses

Neuroses are the name of neuropsychic disorders, which are combined into one group according to four parameters:

1. Appear as a result of internal or external conflict.
2. They are reversible, that is, neuroses can be overcome.
3. A critical attitude towards one’s condition remains.
4. There is no personality change or dementia.

Neuroses are the name of neuropsychic disorders, which are combined into one group according to four parameters:

1. Appear as a result of internal or external conflict.
2. They are reversible, that is, neuroses can be overcome.
3. A critical attitude towards one’s condition remains.
4. There is no personality change or dementia.

Neuroses are the scourge of the 21st century. Today, working 24 hours a day, sleeping 4 hours, and living at a frantic pace is considered the norm. Being confident that everything must be achieved through hard work, and wanting to achieve success, a person lives on the edge, gets little rest, and places increased demands on himself that are incommensurate with his resources. Because of this, conflicts arise - external and internal - which are the cause of neuroses.

Treatment of neuroses with tranquilizer drugs

For the treatment of neurotic conditions, ataractic drugs or tranquilizers are used. This group of substances includes Mezapam, Elenium, Relanium, etc. In the early stages, they can provoke negative effects such as drowsiness, nausea and general weakness. Later, when treating neuroses with pills, these symptoms disappear.

Such medications promote muscle relaxation, have a hypnotic effect and reduce unmotivated feelings of anxiety. Attacks are divided into daytime and nighttime.

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.

Antidepressants are another medicine for the treatment of neuroses

These include, in particular, Anafranil, Melipramin and Pyrazidol. A number of antidepressants have been developed that have a stimulating effect. Such pharmacological agents, on the one hand, reduce feelings of melancholy and reduce weakness, but on the other hand, they increase feelings of anxiety and irritability.

Many patients are recommended to take antidepressants, mainly those with a sedative effect. This treatment of neuroses with medication reduces anxiety, but can cause drowsiness. In this case, only the attending physician who is well acquainted with the history and dynamics of the development of a psychogenic disorder can select the optimal drug.

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.

Treatment with nootropics

Many patients are shown the so-called. nootropics are drugs that improve microcirculation in the “brain pool” and improve the nutrition of cells of the central nervous system. Some of the most common nootropics are Piracetam and Phenibut. Most nootropics used improve mood and increase vitality. Side effects of these medications may include increased irritability and sleep disturbances. In some cases, these psychogenic disorders are an indication for starting to take weak antipsychotics, which include Eglonil and Sonapax.

Symptoms of neuroses

In general, a conflict is like a nuclear explosion in a confined space. The person is outside and does not see the explosion itself. He only feels resonance. The echoes of the explosion are symptoms of neurosis. In other words, a person sees only the clinical signs of the disease, but does not understand the cause.

How can neuroses manifest themselves physically?

• Cardiopalmus.
• Feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Labored breathing.
• Headaches and heart pains that appear without physiological reasons.
• Low performance, high fatigue, frequent feeling of tiredness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Insomnia, lack of feeling of rest after waking up.

How can neuroses manifest themselves emotionally?

• Mood swings.
• Touchiness, vulnerability, it is very easy to bring a person to tears.
• Indecision, uncertainty, inadequate self-esteem - from self-flagellation to excessive confidence in one’s own rightness.
• Increased irritability and emotionality, a person may “explode” or fall into despair over a seemingly insignificant reason.
• Terrible weakness, especially towards the end of the day.
• Experiencing fear and anxiety.
• When trying to work quickly, a person gets tired - attention is scattered, memory and thinking abilities deteriorate.
• Intolerance to loud sounds and bright lights
• Inconsistency/uncertainty of the value system.

The worst thing is that violations are rarely taken seriously by people. Increased fatigue, bad mood, irritability, fatigue are becoming commonplace today. A person begins to pay attention to this only when the condition becomes critical - problems arise in communication, anxiety, and unreasonable fear appear.

Neuroses are the scourge of the 21st century. Today, working 24 hours a day, sleeping 4 hours, living at a frantic pace is considered the norm.

Psychotherapeutic techniques and other methods of therapy

Along with the treatment of neuroses with medications, herbal medicine and physiotherapy have proven themselves well.

When developing a therapeutic regimen, it is important to take into account that disorders of this type have “double” symptoms – somatic (physiological) and psychological. Only an experienced neuropathologist, psychiatrist or neurologist can solve mental problems. In some cases, the involvement of acupuncturists and massage therapists is required. To get rid of mental problems, homeopathic treatment is often used, which involves the use of products based on natural raw materials. Moreover, biologically active substances are used in microdoses.

The text was checked by expert doctors: Head of the socio-psychological service of the Alkoklinik MC, psychologist Yu.P. Baranova, L.A. Serova, a psychiatrist-narcologist.

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Answers to frequently asked questions that arise for those who are faced with neuroses

Are neuroses inherited?

No, they are not transmitted. Character traits can be transmitted, such as impressionability, anxiety, suspiciousness, and so on, which, under unfavorable circumstances, facilitate the onset of neurosis.

Is it possible to recover from neurosis forever?

Yes, you can.

Could sexual dissatisfaction be the main cause of neurosis?

Yes, it can, but now, as the basis of neurosis, it practically does not occur. The role of sex is extremely overrated when it comes to the emergence of neurotic experiences. This is due to the contribution of Sigmund Freud to the development of the causes and mechanisms of neurosis.

Why is physical exercise useful for neuroses?

It is unlikely that it will be possible to cure neurosis with the help of physical education, but physical activity is very useful as an auxiliary component. Stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol) are consumed and muscles relax, this will contribute to overall calm. You will seem to be letting off steam.

Does neurosis affect life expectancy?

More likely no than yes. But, if we exclude the fact that those suffering from neurosis take more care of themselves and lead a healthier lifestyle. This just contributes to longer life expectancy.

What will happen if I don’t treat my neurosis?

You won't die or go crazy. But your quality of life may decrease significantly. While remaining physically and mentally healthy, a person suffering from neurosis can fill his life with a huge number of restrictions, anxiety and depression.

What is the worst neurosis?

The one that is running. The longer a person suffers from neurosis, the harder and longer it takes to treat him. If a person fell ill, for example, less than 2 months ago, then 3-4 meetings may be enough for treatment. All other things being equal (age, intelligence, motivation, duration of illness, unfavorable background), panic disorder is the easiest to treat, and OCD is the hardest to treat. Social phobia may not poison life as much as panic attacks, but it is much more difficult to get rid of it completely, especially if it has been present since adolescence.

Is it possible to go crazy from neurosis?

No impossible. Read more

When should you start treating neurosis? When to finish? How long does it take to treat neurosis?

Start treating - the sooner the better. At a minimum, if symptoms become regular over two months, it is better to quickly consult a psychotherapist. When to end is a more difficult question. Let me give you an example of a situation: let’s take a person with a moderate degree of neurosis, who, for example, will need 8 meetings. The first two weeks - twice a week, then - once a week, that is, the general course will last one and a half to two months. Most often, by the fourth session, symptoms subside significantly. Gradually the symptoms go away in waves. After two months, they are either gone, or their echoes remain, which appear less and less often and become less intense. That is, when the symptoms have passed or there has been a persistent absence of them, you can think about ending the treatment. However, it happens that there are no symptoms, but a person continues to visit a psychotherapist for some time in order to optimize the quality of his life, make himself more stress-resistant and thereby prevent the recurrence of neurosis. To summarize: it is optimal to stop treatment when the symptoms have gone away completely or when there are so few of them that they no longer affect life, in addition, the issues that can support neurosis or provoke it have been resolved.

Is it better to treat neurosis in a hospital or on an outpatient basis?

From my point of view, in the vast majority of cases, neurosis is best treated on an outpatient basis. It makes sense to go to a hospital (for example, to a neurosis clinic) only if a person is completely unable to lead a normal life due to constant anxiety and severely depressed mood. Hospitals may prescribe drugs in IVs that will help you come to your senses a little. In a hospital setting, it is easier for a doctor to determine the effectiveness of drugs, since the patient is under constant supervision. In an outpatient setting, the doctor must be much more careful so as not to “overload” the patient. However, it is not always possible to receive full psychotherapeutic treatment in a hospital. However, for some it is a way out to get relief. Another reason to go to the hospital may be an unfavorable environment at home. If you find yourself in a hospital, avoid conversations on the topic of who got sick, otherwise you risk treating some fears and leaving with others. Outpatient treatment is preferable, since getting rid of neurosis requires mastering techniques that need to be practiced in real life. If the need arises, you will be prescribed sedatives anyway. Plus: you will be able to stay in your normal life for several weeks.

Is it possible to cure neurosis without pills?

In most cases, yes, if it is a pure neurosis, uncomplicated by anything (depression, organic brain damage, long-term course, and so on).

Are there pills for neurosis?

No. Drugs (tranquilizers, antidepressants, minor antipsychotics) that are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders are aimed at reducing symptoms, and not at the cause or mechanisms of neurosis.

What's the worst thing about neuroses?

Being a physically and mentally healthy person, you will not use your potential and realize your opportunities, and life will pass you by.

If I have a neurosis, is it worth talking about it, will they understand me?

Unfortunately, most likely you will not find understanding. People who have never experienced panic attacks, fear and anxiety in situations that seem ordinary to them (an airplane, a subway, a hairdresser, a concert hall, performances, standing in a traffic jam) are not able to understand how one can worry so much in completely safe situations and not being able to “pull yourself together.” Therefore, it makes sense to communicate what is happening to you only to those who are actively involved in your life or live nearby. So that they have the opportunity, if not to understand, then at least to accept the limitations that neurosis has brought into your life. So that they understand how they can help you and do not add even more anxiety with their worries, irritation or lectures. At the same time, you should not be afraid that someone will find out about your problems: your behavior may be incomprehensible to others, but since you will still control yourself, no one will decide that you are some kind of abnormal. Neuroses are quite common, so people often find understanding from those whom they would never have thought would find support.

Which specialist is best to treat neurosis?

See a psychotherapist. It was no coincidence that I clarified that I was seeing a doctor, because, unfortunately, psychologists often call themselves psychotherapists. You need a doctor who knows psychotherapeutic methods for treating neuroses. If you want to truly cure neurosis, and not just smooth out the symptoms, then a neurologist or psychiatrist is not suitable.

Can neurosis go away on its own?

Yes maybe. But if the symptoms increase and do not go away for more than one month, then it is unlikely.

Is it necessary to prevent neurosis?

I don’t think it’s necessary to specifically prevent any disease if your heredity is not burdened by this disease - there’s no point in thinking about what doesn’t exist. But it’s worth leading a healthy lifestyle, that’s all! Try not to give a damn about the quality of your life, don’t push yourself, don’t accumulate stress, try to balance your life so that it includes rest, healthy sleep, interesting activities, pleasant communication, and sufficient physical activity. Minimize the amount of conflict, alcohol and do not use drugs. Then the chances of neurosis appearing in your life will be significantly reduced.

Can mental trauma cause neurosis?

Yes maybe. Although often neurosis occurs when a difficult period is over.

Is it necessary to deal with childhood memories in order to recover from neurosis?

Not necessary. Information about childhood is needed to find out the personality traits that contributed to the onset of neurosis, and to determine habitual ways of reacting and thinking. That is, the mechanism “I remembered something from childhood, told a psychotherapist and the neurosis went away” does not work.

Is anorexia nervosa a neurosis?

No, with anorexia nervosa there is a completely different mechanism of occurrence and development. This diagnosis refers to eating disorders and is mechanically close to addiction.

Can alcoholism lead to neurosis and vice versa?

Yes maybe. Often the first panic attack in those suffering from alcoholism occurs during abstinence (the day after abuse). Sometimes after such an attack a person stops drinking. The situation is the opposite, when with the help of alcohol a person suffering from neurosis and social phobia relieves his constriction and fear, and begins to do this regularly.

What type of psychotherapy is most effective for neuroses?

From our point of view, the cognitive behavioral approach is the best. It began to be developed in the mid-20th century. A huge amount of research has been carried out on its effectiveness, techniques have been developed. The approach is based on a scientific basis, and in a short period of time it can help a person change a lot. But this does not mean that it is the only effective one; representatives of other psychotherapeutic schools also provide effective treatment. Here it’s like in surgery: scalpels can be of different shapes, the main thing is literacy, intelligence, experience, surgeon skills and the desire to help.

Read more about the treatment of neuroses

About dissatisfaction with your appearance, diets and breakdowns

During adolescence, any teenager, boy or girl, begins to change, and something begins to irritate him. This happened to me too. I was no longer satisfied with my appearance.

I didn’t have good relationships with young people, but I really wanted to communicate and be liked by everyone. TV advertisements showed girls with perfect figures, perfect faces and teeth. I thought that I needed to change my appearance - then I would become popular and attractive, and they would want to communicate with me.

I couldn’t think of anything better how to start losing weight. I was not fat at all, rather slight and even underweight. 55 kg is an adequate weight for my height, but I was still afraid. The fear of “being fat” remains with me to this day.

55 kg is an adequate weight for my height, but I was still afraid. The fear of “being fat” remains with me to this day.

I started losing weight with one apple a day. Then she refused food. There was no strength. Weight loss occurred over a long period of time and was followed by bouts of bulimia. That is, at first you don’t eat anything, and then you “get fat” like a pig. The food has nowhere to go, it no longer fits, but you eat. Your brain understands that you need to stop, but saturation does not occur. Eat everything indiscriminately until you burst.

The attacks were mixed with a feeling of guilt. Self-dislike turned into hatred and self-destruction. I wanted one thing - to lose weight, but I got the opposite effect.

Our clinic's capabilities

Treatment of neurosis in the clinic requires increased attention from the doctor in terms of diagnosis and further management of the patient. We have all the necessary capabilities for a full examination and observation throughout the entire recovery period. Starting from the ability to take the necessary tests and ending with complex high-tech examinations (if necessary). We have the ability to provide therapy in various options.

Treatment Options

• outpatient treatment at a neurosis clinic;
• treatment in a neurosis clinic in a day hospital;
• therapy in a 24-hour hospital setting;
• For patients who have completed a rehabilitation course, there is remote medical and psychotherapeutic support.

All recommendations for therapy and examinations are prescribed only after an initial consultation with a psychotherapist, neurologist and rehabilitation medicine doctor. The decision is made at a consultation, which is held free of charge for our patients.

Consilium

At the consultation, doctors will individually select the necessary types of examination. Additional examinations are prescribed only if there is a clear need for additional medical information about the state of health. Without the need for examination, our doctors do not prescribe. Therefore, when visiting a doctor at our neurosis clinic in Moscow, we recommend that you take to your appointment all the results of examinations that you have undergone previously.