Nerve disorders are disorders of the psyche that usually have no physical causes. However, nerve disorders can also occur in connection with diseases that can trigger mental disorders through their symptomatology.
What are nerve disorders?
Toxins and viruses in the body can cause changes in nerve cells. Nerve disorders are generally considered to include various mental disorders as well as specific forms, such as neurosis and psychosis. They are often colloquially referred to as mental illness or psycho-disease. The term nervous disorders is therefore used as a collective term for many forms of mental disorders. These can include extreme forms of nervousness and inner restlessness. Unlike neurosis, however, in which there are no physical causes, psychosis is often linked to physical dysfunctions. Roughly, it can be said that anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders are typical in neuroses, whereas psychoses are characterized by disturbed perception of reality. An additional difference between a psychosis and a neurosis is that patients, with neurotic features, are aware of their nervous condition, whereas a psychotic considers himself healthy.
Causes
For the most part, the causes of nervous disorders are psychological or psychic in nature. Especially when the causes are brought about by strong nervousness, inner restlessness, anxiety, anxiety disorder, hysteria, stress, hypochondria or compulsions, one often speaks of neuroses (e.g. anxiety neurosis, cardiac neurosis). However, neuroses can also be triggered by prolonged grief (e.g., death or lovesickness). Although now outdated, Sigmund Freud in particular has provided a wide variety of theories on the causes of nervous disorders. He attributes the mental disorders mainly to suppressed fears, early childhood developmental disorders and sexual problems as causes. According to Freud, the processing of the psyche in the subconscious in particular is said to be of essential importance. However, nervous disorders can also occur in the context of diseases. In this case, certain toxins (e.g. toxins) and viruses in the body can cause changes in the nerve fibers or nerve cells, which can then trigger lasting nerve disorders.
Diseases with this symptom
- Anxiety disorder
- Cardiac neurosis
- Dissociative identity disorder
- Neurosis
- Hypochondria
- Affective disorders
- Psychopathy
- Somatoform disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
Complications
Nervous disorders lead to severe interpersonal complications. The affected person suffers from mood swings, an irritability and often aggressive behavior occurs. Misunderstandings, conflicts and quarrels occur. In severe cases, separation from loved ones occurs. This leads to a further reduction of the joy of life. Grief over the loss sets in. Apathy, loss of appetite or a melancholic mood are the consequences. In some cases, the behavior changes completely. A withdrawal turns into anger. Intemperance may develop into tearful behavior. It is impossible to say in advance what emotions or behavior will be triggered by the sufferer as a result of the condition. If treatment of the nervous condition occurs, medications are often given. These have side effects that also trigger a change in behavior and mood. During therapy, the sufferer often deals with issues and events in his or her life. Longings, emotional injuries or traumas may be uncovered and lead to further emotional fluctuations or moodiness. In some cases, occupational disability, social withdrawal, or isolation occur. Other mental illnesses may develop, which are treated in parallel. In severe cases, a nervous breakdown occurs. The patient is hospitalized for some time for his or her own safety.
When should one go to the doctor?
The question of when symptoms require medical treatment can only be answered according to the specific individual case. A patient should identify all concerns. It is necessary to carry out a needs-oriented and comprehensive risk assessment. In this context, it is certainly advisable to decide in favor of a visit to the doctor in cases of doubt.However, not every symptom necessitates treatment. From a medical point of view, many conditions do not require treatment. When a nerve condition is suspected, it should first be considered that there are no physical causes. A visit to the doctor is therefore not necessarily indicated. As a rule, a visit to a psychotherapist is advisable instead. The psychotherapist is able to classify the described complaints and can thus disprove or substantiate the suspicion. A psychologist can also make a diagnosis by carrying out expert testing procedures. Unlike a psychotherapist, however, he or she is not allowed to initiate treatment due to the lack of a license to practice. For this reason, it makes sense to consult a psychotherapist who is allowed to work both psychologically and therapeutically. This is the only way to ensure that treatment and diagnosis are provided from a single source. Since a nervous condition cannot be diagnosed by laypersons and does not initially show any physical symptoms, most patients first go to their family doctor. This is the first point of contact. He will refer to a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist if he suspects a nerve condition.
Treatment and therapy
Nerve disorders should definitely be examined and treated by a physician or specialist (psychologist). The doctor will ask many questions about the circumstances and also perform tests to find the exact cause. Since the causes of nerve disorders can be so diverse, the therapy and treatment options are also very varied. In most cases, the general practitioner will refer you to a psychologist or psychotherapist. He or she will then initiate therapies specifically geared to your case. Autogenic training and progressive muscle relaxation are usually used successfully in psychotherapy. Medication is not recommended at first. However, the attending physician will use psychotropic drugs (e.g. antidepressants, neuroleptics or psychostimulants) if necessary. However, herbal remedies, such as valerian, lemon balm and hops, are initially preferable.
Outlook and prognosis
The course from the nervous condition always depends on the physical and psychological characteristics of the patient and, of course, on the manifestation of the symptom. As a rule, the nervous condition is characterized mainly by inner restlessness, which can be aggravated by certain factors such as stress. In addition, there is constant nervousness, which leads to exhaustion and irritability. Not infrequently, the nervous condition thus leads to burnout if it is not treated. In a severe course, other symptoms may also occur, such as panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The patient suffers from a reduced quality of life and may no longer be able to go to his or her job easily. Treatment is provided with medication and through discussions with a psychologist. However, treatment can take several months if the nervous condition is relatively severe. Whether the treatment really leads to success cannot be universally predicted. Here, the patient himself must also make an effort and show his will. If the talks are unsuccessful, antidepressants and other medications can be used.
Home remedies and herbs for nervous disorders.
- Teas and baths made from lemon balm and hops calm the nerves and stabilize the mood. They are also excellent for sleep disorders.
- 10 drops of valerian tincture at night dissolved in a lukewarm glass of water, calms the mind, spirit and body in the long term. However, the calming effects can also last up to two weeks. But for this it also lasts longer.
What you can do yourself
In the case of nerve disorders, some options are available to take action yourself. However, self-help can never replace medical treatment, but at best complement it. Nerve disorders present those affected with a difficult task. It is therefore important to provide the body with optimal nutrients. Nutrition plays an important role here. Foods such as fish, nuts or rapeseed oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These strengthen the body’s nerve cells, so they should be consumed in greater quantities. In addition, attention should also be paid to an adequate vitamin intake. Vitamin A helps the body defend itself against free radicals. Vitamin C supports the production of adrenaline and strengthens the immune system.It is contained in fresh fruits and vegetables. B vitamins are also of particular importance. These are considered “nerve vitamins” and are found in lentils, yogurt, beans, eggs, sunflower seeds and walnuts. In addition to a balanced diet, attention should also be paid to a healthy lifestyle. Sufferers of a nerve condition should get enough sleep, reduce their stress levels, and refrain from consuming addictive substances such as alcohol or cigarettes as much as possible.