Neurosis facts for kids

Neurosis is an old term for a group of mental health problems. People with neurosis feel a lot of distress or worry, but they usually know what is real and what is not. They do not have delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there). Their behavior is generally still within what society considers normal.

The word neurosis was first used by a Scottish doctor named William Cullen in 1769. Sometimes, you might hear it called psychoneurosis or neurotic disorder. People who experience these issues are often described as neurotic.

What is Neurosis?

Neurosis describes a state where a person feels a lot of emotional pain or discomfort. This pain is often caused by stress, fear, or sadness. Unlike some other mental health conditions, neurosis does not involve losing touch with reality. People with neurosis are aware of their feelings and surroundings.

How the Term Changed

In the past, many different mental health conditions were grouped under "neurosis." However, modern medical guides, like the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), no longer use this exact term. Doctors now prefer to describe specific behaviors and symptoms.

Today, many conditions once called neuroses are now known as anxiety disorders. These are conditions where anxiety is a main symptom. For example, panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were once considered types of neurosis. This change in terms helps doctors be more specific about a person's condition.

Common Feelings and Behaviors

People experiencing what was once called neurosis might have a range of feelings and behaviors. These can make everyday life difficult.

• Emotional feelings:
  • Feeling very worried or anxious
  • Deep sadness or depression
  • Getting angry or easily annoyed
  • Feeling confused or muddled
  • Having a low sense of self-worth

• Behavioral actions:
  • Avoiding certain places or situations (like a phobia)
  • Being overly watchful or alert
  • Doing things without thinking (impulsive acts)
  • Repeating certain actions (compulsive acts)
  • Feeling very tired or having low energy

• Thinking patterns:
  • Having unpleasant or upsetting thoughts
  • Thoughts that repeat over and over (like an obsession)
  • Spending a lot of time daydreaming
  • Thinking negatively or being cynical

• Social interactions:
  • Relying too much on others
  • Being aggressive towards others
  • Wanting everything to be perfect
  • Wanting to be alone a lot
  • Behaving in ways that seem odd to others

These symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. They can also range from mild to severe.

Seeking Help

If someone is experiencing these kinds of feelings or behaviors, it is important to talk to a trusted adult. This could be a parent, teacher, or school counselor. Mental health professionals, like therapists or doctors, can help. They can offer support and strategies to manage these feelings. Getting help early can make a big difference in feeling better.

See also

• In Spanish: Neurosis para niños