What does it mean to be neurotic?

The term "neurotic" is actually no longer a term used in any official clinical diagnosis system or classification. While "neurosis" was once included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a diagnosis, this was removed in 1980 and is not commonly used by mental health professionals today. We now understand these symptoms to more appropriately fit with anxiety and depressive disorders. As with any outdated term, the meaning and use of the term neurotic and neurosis can vary considerably from person to person. In other words, without a standardized and official definition of diagnosis or symptom, there is a great deal of room for various interpretations and understandings of any mental health concept. Generally speaking, neurosis reflects a period of experiencing anxiety or obsessive thoughts, which can contribute to emotional instability and generally cause distress. At times, these symptoms may be severe enough to interfere with some areas of functioning, but not to a severe or significant degree. The good news is that these symptoms and experiences are well understood and treated within the framework of anxiety and/or depression, which most mental health clinicians are very experienced at working with!

Other questions related to Anxiety

There is Hope: Supporting Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month – which aims to create hope through action by creating safe spaces for those struggling with the goal of preventing suicide all together. The issue is far reaching. Nearly 46,000 individuals died by suicide in 2020, and 46% of those people had a known mental health condition. Although mental health issues and illnesses, like depression, can lead to suicide, there are many reasons someone may decide to take their own life. However, most people believe that suicide can be prevented.

World Breastfeeding Week – August 1-7

This year, WABA’s emphasis for World Breastfeeding Week is on strengthening the capacity of actors that protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society including governments, health systems, workplaces and communities to provide and sustain breastfeeding-friendly environments for families in the post-pandemic world. According to WABA, breastfeeding can assist with sustainable development strategies post-pandemic, as it can improve nutrition, ensure food security, and reduce inequalities between and within countries.

COVID-19 Testing: Your Options and Telehealth's Role

You may have heard about a few different tests for COVID-19. Some provide faster results than others. Certain tests are used to find out about a past infection and some determine if you have a case currently. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of tests to help you understand your options.

Hear from a Therapist: 7 Tips for Managing Depression

Depression is more than "feeling down" or " feeling blue." When you’re depressed, you may find it hard to simply "let go" or "snap out of it." Depression is very common.

What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?

As we all likely know, every relationship varies and “healthy” might mean different things to different people. While this blog post will focus primarily on romantic relationships, the majority of these topics can apply to many different kinds of relationships.

9 Misconceptions about Therapy for Children

If you are a parent or guardian thinking about pursuing counseling for your child and are confused about what that might look like, you are not alone! Over the years, I have talked to many parents who were embarrassed or uncomfortable asking questions about therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions