Anxiety neurosis: an introduction to the disorder and pathways to understanding and treatment

Introduction

The modern world, with its fast pace of life and demands, often presents the individual with many challenges related to stress and anxiety. One common mental disorder that affects an increasing number of people is anxiety neurosis. This complex emotional disorder manifests itself in chronic, unjustified fear and anxiety, significantly affecting an individual's daily functioning. In this article, we will take a closer look at the essence of anxiety neurosis, its various forms and symptoms to better understand what often shapes the lives of many people. In addition, we'll take a look at treatment options and how to cope with the daunting challenge this mental disorder brings. Taking a perspective on anxiety neurosis as a social and individual problem becomes a key step in developing mental health awareness and building supportive bridges for those who struggle with this difficult emotional condition.

What is anxiety neurosis?

Anxiety neurosis is a type of mental disorder characterized by excessive and unreasonable fear and strong feelings of anxiety. People suffering from anxiety neurosis often experience intense fears and anxieties related to various life situations. These anxieties can be difficult to control and negatively affect daily functioning.

There are several different types of anxiety neurosis, including:

Generalized anxiety syndrome (ZLU): People with ZLU have difficulty managing their daily worries and concerns. Their anxieties are often out of proportion to the situation, and the stress persists for long periods of time.

Panic syndrome: This is characterized by panic attacks, or sudden and intense periods of extreme anxiety. Physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, tremors and feelings of loss of control may be present.

Social phobia: People with social phobia experience severe anxiety associated with social situations, such as talking in public or making interpersonal contacts.

Specific phobia: Refers to excessive fear associated with a specific object or situation, such as fear of flying, animals, or enclosed spaces.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This is a type of anxiety neurosis that develops after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include recurring nightmares, avoidance of certain places or situations, and excessive agitation.

Anxiety neurosis can significantly affect quality of life, lead to health problems and hinder daily functioning.

Causes of anxiety disorders

Anxiety neurosis is usually the result of a complex combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. Below are some factors that can contribute to the development of anxiety neurosis:

Genetic factors: There is some inheritance of susceptibility to anxiety disorders. If someone in the family has suffered from anxiety neurosis, there is a greater risk that others in the family will also be susceptible to the disorder.

Biological factors: Anxiety disorders can be linked to nervous system malfunctions and neurochemical imbalances. A deficiency or excess of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), may play a role in shaping the symptoms of anxiety neurosis.

Life experiences: Traumatic events or difficult life experiences, especially at a young age, can increase the risk of developing anxiety neurosis. Experiencing trauma, violence or the loss of a loved one can affect mental functioning.

Psychosocial factors: Stress related to daily life, such as family problems, financial difficulties, workplace stress or interpersonal conflicts, can contribute to anxiety neurosis.

Unforgettable traumatic experiences: People who experience traumatic events, such as car accidents, terrorist attacks or violence, can develop anxiety neurosis, especially if they do not receive adequate support after a traumatic event.

Comorbid psychiatric disorders: Anxiety neurosis can coexist with other mental disorders, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating disorders. The coexistence of these disorders can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

It is worth noting that each person may react differently to these factors, and anxiety neurosis may have different manifestations in different individuals.

Symptoms of anxiety neurosis

Symptoms of anxiety neurosis can be varied and vary from person to person. They usually include a combination of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. Below are the most common symptoms of anxiety neurosis:

Physical symptoms:

Panic attacks: Sudden, intense attacks of severe anxiety that may be accompanied by shortness of breath, palpitations, tremors, feelings of nausea or dizziness.

Muscle tension: Excessive muscle tension, especially in the neck, back and shoulder areas.

Body aches: Headaches, abdominal pain, muscle aches and other physical complaints without an apparent medical cause.

Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or experiencing nightmares.

Emotional symptoms:

Feelings of anxiety and tension: Constant feelings of restlessness, tension or anxiety without a specific cause.

Concerns and worries: Excessive worry, concern about the future, even in the face of minor issues.

Irrational fear: Excessive fear of certain situations, objects or events.

Avoidance of fearful situations: Tendentious avoidance of anxiety-provoking places or situations.

Behavioral symptoms:

Avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations: Restricting oneself in activities and avoiding places or situations associated with anxiety.

Rituals and compulsions: Performing certain activities or rituals to relieve anxiety (e.g., checking things repeatedly, comparing oneself to others).

Excessive self-control: Striving for perfection, over-analyzing situations and self-control.

Social isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions due to fear of negative judgments or judgment.

Mental symptoms:

Concentration disorders: Difficulty focusing attention and keeping thoughts on a particular issue.

Irrational thoughts: Repeated negative thoughts that are difficult to control.

Feelings of unreality: The feeling that the world is unreal or that you are dreaming yourself.

It is important to note that the symptoms of anxiety neurosis can vary depending on the type of specific anxiety neurosis, as well as a person's individual characteristics.

Panic attack - symptoms

A panic attack is an intense and sudden manifestation of severe anxiety, which can occur for no apparent reason or in a situation that does not appear to be truly threatening. Panic attack symptoms are usually very intense and often occur rapidly. Below are typical panic attack symptoms:

Intensefeelings of anxiety: A panic attack is characterized by concentrated, overwhelming anxiety that may be difficult to define or associated with thoughts of death, loss of control or insanity.

Sudden increase in heart rate (tachycardia): During a panic attack, a person may experience a rapid increase in heart rate, leading to a feeling of rapid and irregular heartbeat.

Breathing problems (dyspnea): Increased breathing, a feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty taking in air are common symptoms of a panic attack. Some people describe it as a feeling of suffocating.

Chills and feeling hot: People experiencing a panic attack may experience body shaking, chills or the opposite - a feeling of sudden heat.

Chest pain: Sometimes a panic attack can cause pain or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for symptoms of a heart attack. However, it is always important to consult a doctor in case of chest pain to rule out serious health problems.

Tingling or numbness: You may experience tingling or numbness in various parts of your body, especially in your arms and legs.

Deep feelings of fear: During a panic attack, a person may feel a deep fear that may be difficult to understand or justify.

Loss of contact with reality: Some people experience a feeling of detachment from reality or a feeling that what is happening is unreal.

Panic attacks vary and symptoms can vary between individuals. Not every panic attack will include all of the symptoms listed.

How to diagnose anxiety neurosis?

The diagnosis of anxiety neurosis is usually made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist. The process involves assessing the symptoms, the patient's history, and possibly ruling out other health problems that may be causing similar symptoms. Below are some steps that may be involved in diagnosing anxiety neurosis:

Diagnostic Interview: A mental health professional will interview the patient to obtain a complete history of anxiety symptoms, their intensity, duration and impact on daily functioning. It is also important to identify possible triggers and related life contexts.

Physical examination: although anxiety neurosis is a mental disorder, there may also be physical symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a physical examination to rule out other health problems that may cause similar symptoms.

Diagnostic criteria: The specialist will use diagnostic criteria from international classification systems such as DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) to determine whether a patient's symptoms meet the criteria for anxiety neurosis.

Assessing comorbid disorders: The specialist may also assess whether the patient has other comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Laboratory tests: In some cases, your doctor may order laboratory tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other health problems that may affect your mental health.

It is important that the diagnosis of anxiety neurosis be accurate and comprehensive. This includes consideration of various aspects of the patient's life, both physical and mental.

Treatment of anxiety neurosis

Treatment of anxiety neurosis usually involves a combination of psychological therapy, drug therapy and/or lifestyle changes. The choice of specific treatment methods depends on the individual needs of the patient, the severity of symptoms, the co-occurrence of other disorders, and the preferences of the doctor and patient. Below are the main forms of treatment for anxiety neurosis:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most commonly used therapeutic approaches to treat anxiety neurosis. The therapist helps the patient identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety symptoms. CBT may focus on teaching relaxation techniques, changing thinking, or gradually exposing the patient to anxious situations.

Cognitive therapy (CT): cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and changing thoughts, beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. The patient participates in discussions with the therapist to understand and transform negative thoughts into more constructive ones.

Pharmacological therapy: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications (anxiolytics) or antidepressants, especially from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) groups. These drugs can help control anxiety symptoms.

Relaxation and breathing techniques: Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help reduce tension and stress.

Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and avoidance of substances such as alcohol or stimulants can have a positive effect on mood and reduction of anxiety symptoms.

It is important that treatment is tailored to the individual patient's needs. Working with a mental health professional helps determine the most effective treatment strategies for a person.

How to deal with neurosis?

Dealing with neurosis requires a multi-faceted approach, and effective strategies vary depending on individual preferences and needs. Below are general suggestions that can help you manage your neurosis:

Seek professional help: Consult a doctor, psychotherapist or other mental health professional. Professional help may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, drug therapy, or a combination of these.

Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce tension and anxiety.

Lead a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and regular sleep can support overall well-being and benefit mental health.

Maintain a regular daily schedule: A stable daily schedule, with set times for sleep, meals and other activities, can help reduce chaos and feelings of uncertainty.

Avoid addictive substances: Alcohol, drugs and addictive substances can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety neurosis. Try to avoid them or limit their consumption.

Manage stress: Learn effective stress management techniques, such as planning, delegating tasks, skillfully expressing feelings or using problem-solving strategies.

Work on cognitive techniques: Focus on identifying and changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful in this regard.

Find social support: Share your feelings with loved ones, friends or family members. Social support can provide emotional support and understanding.

Be socially active: Avoid social isolation. Keeping in touch with other people and participating in social activities can help relieve symptoms of anxiety neurosis.

Learn techniques for coping with difficult situations: Develop skills for dealing with difficult situations, as well as accepting uncertainty and taking a positive approach to change.

Remember that dealing effectively with neurosis can take time and commitment. Every person is different, so it's important to experiment with different strategies to find the ones that best suit your needs.

Supplements to help treat emotional disorders

Dietary supplements can sometimes support overall mental and emotional health, but it is important to understand that they are not a substitute for professional health care. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor or nutritionist for individualized advice and evaluation before taking any supplements to support the treatment of anxiety neurosis.

Omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid - DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA): Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, fish oils and some algae, may be beneficial for brain and heart health. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation may be associated with improved mood and reduced anxiety symptoms.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to mood disorders. Although more associated with depression, supporting overall mental health may benefit.

Vitamin B-complex: B vitamins such as B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 are important for mental health. Deficiencies in these vitamins can negatively affect mood and cognitive function.

Magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in regulating nerve function and may help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Ashwagandha: This is a plant adaptogen that is used in Ayurveda to relieve stress and improve overall mental health.

L-theanine: Found in green tea, l-theanine may have relaxation properties and affect levels of neurotransmitters such as GABA, which can help relieve anxiety symptoms.

Probiotics: Research suggests a link between gut health and mental health. Probiotics, or good bacteria, can influence the balance of gut microflora and have a beneficial effect on mental health.

Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body cope with physical, chemical and biological stress, as well as support overall immunity. Studies suggest that Rhodiola rosea supplementation can help reduce stress-related symptoms such as fatigue, mental and emotional lassitude, improve nastrоm and overall sense of vitality.

Summary

It is important that the diagnosis of anxiety neurosis be accurate and comprehensive. This includes consideration of various aspects of the patient's life, both physical and psychological. Once the diagnosis has been established, the specialist can recommend appropriate treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, drug therapy or a combination of these, depending on the patient's individual needs. Consulting a mental health professional is key to successful management of anxiety neurosis.

Bibliography

"The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook". - Edmund J. Bourne

"The Feeling Good Handbook" - David D. Burns

"The Anxiety Toolkit: Strategies for Fine-Tuning Your Mind and Moving Past Your Stuck Points" - Alice Boyes

"The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression" - Andrew Solomon