The Meaning Of "Neurotic" And Why It May Be Considered Outdated
Have you ever heard someone refer to another person as "neurotic?" This term is linked to the word "neurosis," coined in the 18th century by Scottish physician William Cullen. He used the word to describe nervous disorders without a clear cause.
The term neurotic is a word that is often outdated in psychology. However, you may have heard a friend or family say it or hear it now and again in a book or movie. As a result, you might be wondering what it means. In modern psychology, neuroticism is one of the personality traits that tend to manifest as emotional instability, negative emotions, and easily aroused stress. It's essential to recognize neurotic tendencies and seek professional help if these behaviors lead to negative impacts on daily life or mental health issues.
What is neurosis?
The word neurosis comes from two Greek words that translate to "nerve" and "abnormal condition." William Cullen used it in 1769 to discuss a "disorder of sense and motion." He believed a problem in the nervous system caused it.
The word often served as an umbrella term to describe symptoms and disorders without physiological explanation. William believed neurosis had different symptoms, such as knee-jerking, a lack of gag reflex, and jittery movements. His definition of neurosis was used until Jung and Freud went on to refine it in the future.
While you may hear the terms neurosis or neurotic in social settings or the media, they may be considered outdated. The American Psychological Association (APA) Dictionary of Psychology defines neurosis as "any one of various mental disorders characterized by significant anxiety or other distressing emotional symptoms, such as persistent and irrational fears, obsessive thoughts, compulsive acts, dissociative states, and somatic and depressive reactions."
They go on to state, "The symptoms do not involve gross personality disorganization, total lack of insight, or loss of contact with reality (compare psychosis). In psychoanalysis, neuroses are generally viewed as exaggerated, unconscious methods of coping with internal conflicts and the anxiety they produce.” Most disorders formerly called neuroses are now classified as anxiety disorders, often involving neurotic tendencies or neurotic personality traits.
The definition from the APA may not mean that if you have an anxiety disorder or another similar condition, you are neurotic or labeled as such. Neurosis was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in the 1980s when the third edition (the DSM-III) was published. The word "neurosis" is no longer used in medical settings and has not been used for more than 40 years.
Why is the term neurotic considered outdated?
As psychological knowledge evolves, so does the language used by psychologists. For example, specific conditions not currently in the DSM-5, which professionals use to classify and diagnose mental health conditions, continue to be discovered and explored. In future DSM versions, we may see new terms and diagnoses that aren't in the most recent edition, while old terms or diagnoses may be removed.
Psychologists now have more precise language enabling them to discuss factors that impact a person's mental health, such as mental health conditions, psychological disorders, and symptoms of various disorders. They also possess a deeper understanding of how stress, anxiety, and emotions affect the body and mind.
Beyond these changes, numerous words carry negative connotations due to their portrayal in popular media or societal usage. In the case of "neurotic," it is often misused to label individuals, potentially evoking negative feelings and connotations of "crazy" or "out of touch." As a result, people may feel self conscious or experience self doubt when identifying with this term, contributing to its outdated status.
"Am I neurotic?"
The APA dictionary definition of neurosis specifies that many conditions formerly classified as neuroses are now known as anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are some of the most prevalent neurotic disorders, with about 18.1% of adults in the United States living with one. They can also impact kids and teens. According to peer reviewed studies from the CDC, 7.1% of minors between the ages of three and 17 live with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders include but are not limited to:
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): A condition characterized by excessive worry or anxiety surrounding one or multiple social situations.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A diagnosis characterized by excessive worry about various or varied topics.
- Panic Disorder: A condition that can involve recurring panic attacks and, often, a fear of future panic attacks.
- Agoraphobia: A phobia characterized by a clinically significant fear of places or external events that may lead to panic, helplessness, feelings of embarrassment, or difficulty escaping.
- Specific Phobias: Phobias may be characterized by a clinically significant or severe irrational fear that negatively impacts a person's functioning or ability to engage in life. For example, someone with an intense phobia of spiders may have arachnophobia.
Other mental health conditions may also cause significant distress, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or bipolar disorder.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
If you feel you might be experiencing a mental health condition, consider reaching out to a medical or mental health provider qualified to provide an evaluation and diagnosis, such as a general practitioner or a psychiatrist.
If you're wondering how to tell if you're neurotic, remember that you don't need to label yourself if you don't identify with the term. Behaviors affecting your emotional, psychological, or social well-being don't automatically require labeling. Any symptoms you're experiencing, leading you to worry or feel "neurotic," may be addressed through emotional stability, professional support, or therapy.
When "neuroticism" is not a mental health issue
In some cases, an individual might feel "neurotic" and could be going through something that's not a mental health condition at all. Outside of mental health conditions, experiences such as grief and stress may cause distress and intense symptoms.
For example, easily stressed individuals may experience symptoms like worry, headaches, negative thoughts, racing heart, changing moods, anger, irritability, and trouble sleeping. These neurotic traits or neurotic behaviors might arise from minor problems, leading to negative outcomes.
If stress is severe or chronic, someone may feel like they are breaking down, which could affect their functioning, mental health, and physical health in various ways.
Online therapy for support with mental health
Therapy may aid you in symptom reduction if you live with a mental health condition or distressing symptoms. It can help you work on various areas of life, such as work stress and interpersonal relationships.
You do not need a diagnosis to see a mental health counselor or therapist. If you're interested in seeking help, you can look for a provider in your area or sign up for an online therapy platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples.
Finding the right fit can make a big difference, and online therapy options are one way to find quality support. Various studies on online therapy back up the efficacy of online treatment. Research shows that online therapy can play a significant role in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. For example, one study found that online therapy was more effective than traditional in-person sessions. In the study, 100% of participants in the online group showed continued symptom reduction three months after treatment.
Takeaway
Life often isn't predictable, and it can feel challenging to work on your concerns alone. Although "neurotic" may no longer be used in medical and mental health settings, anyone experiencing anxiety or distress may find support through therapy. It's essential to recognize that neuroticism exists as a personality trait, and individuals with a neurotic personality can also benefit from professional help.
If you're ready to get started and speak to a professional, consider reaching out to a compassionate mental health counselor.
What does a neurotic person do?
Although neurotic is an outdated term, someone who was once said to have a neurotic disorder or be neurotic may display significant anxiety or experience emotional symptoms like obsessive thoughts, persistent and irrational fears, dissociative states, compulsive acts, and somatic and depressive reactions.
What is the difference between neurosis and psychosis?
The term neurosis is mainly used to describe people who are experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder related to anxiety or repressed feelings. This neurosis meaning was once connected to the theories of Jung and Freud, but today, people might use it to describe anxiety-related disorders in general. Neuroticism is also one of the big five personality traits, along with extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. Mental illnesses associated with neurosis include social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, emotional disorders, and panic disorder.
Psychosis is a condition that involves some type of disconnect from reality. People with psychosis may not be able to determine what’s real and what isn’t. They may have hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. People with psychosis may receive a psychiatric diagnosis like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and delusional disorder.
The most significant difference between these terms is that psychosis is a clinical term, and neurosis is not. So, not only is neurosis dated, but it can mean different things to different people.
How can you tell if someone is neurotic?
Although the term “neurotic” is outdated in psychiatric epidemiology, it may casually be used to describe someone who is constantly irritable, experiences road rage, has a short temper, experiences frequent neurotic anxiety, complains about legitimate physical symptoms or physical reactions that have no physical medical cause, feels guilty about everyday occurrences (like spilling their coffee or being five minutes late), ruminates, acts overdramatically, panics in non-threatening situations, or displays emotional instability.
Is neurosis a mental illness?
No, neurosis is not a mental illness, although some people may incorrectly use it to describe symptoms of personality disorders. According to the American Psychological Association, neurosis is “any one of a variety of mental disorders characterized by significant anxiety or other distressing emotional symptoms.” These symptoms might include obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, dissociative states, compulsive acts, and depressive reactions. In some areas of psychology, neuroses are considered unconscious and exaggerated methods of coping with internal conflicts and the anxiety they cause.
Can a neurotic person be happy?
Yes, people who may be called neurotic can be happy. This term is largely considered outdated, but it may be used to describe people who are exhibiting symptoms of an anxiety disorder or panic disorder. In these cases, with support and treatment, people can learn how to manage such symptoms and work toward having a happy life.
Are neurotic people lonely?
People with neurotic traits may have a difficult time in relationships. They may be quick to anger, have low self esteem, feel guilty about innocent things, ruminate, experience emotional instability, act overdramatically, or be anxious, nervous, or afraid. These things can make it challenging for them to maintain relationships, which can lead to loneliness. With treatment, people with neurotic traits can learn how to manage these neurotic symptoms and maintain healthy relationships.
How do you talk to a neurotic person?
When talking to someone with neurotic tendencies, there are a few things you can do to support them. Remember that, first and foremost, they may just want someone to listen. Offer help or advice, but try not to interrupt them. People with neurotic tendencies may see the negative in most situations, so try to point out the positives. Being friendly but firm can be a better approach than being forceful. Pointing out their accomplishments or talents may help them feel more confident and give them the validation that they need. You may also want to encourage them to talk to a mental health professional to work through their emotions.
What do neurotic people tend to have?
People with neurotic tendencies tend to have some of the following traits:
- Getting angry quickly
- Feeling guilty about innocent things
- Ruminating
- Being overdramatic
- Having emotional instability
- Feeling anxious
- Being nervous
- Being afraid
What are the good traits of a neurotic person?
People with neurotic tendencies can have many good traits. In fact, some of the traits that may make someone call them “neurotic” may be beneficial at times. Having a little bit of neuroticism in everyday life may make people more likely to take care of their health, so they may watch their diet and exercise more or pay close attention to their body and seek medical attention when they feel something isn’t right. Some research found that people who were considered to have both conscientious and neurotic personalities were less likely to smoke and more likely to stick to a new exercise routine.
Are neurotic people jealous?
Jealousy can make people anxious as it can make us think things that are untrue and maybe a little irrational. For example, someone who gets jealous of a partner’s friend from work might convince themselves that their partner is cheating on them or that the work friend is trying to break up the relationship. People who have neurotic behavior or tendencies may feel jealous at times, but jealousy is a universal emotion that is not caused by neuroticism.
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