5 - Causes of Neurosis

Neurotic behaviour is generally believed to be based on faulty emotional habits and attitudes. Neurotic disturbances usually stem from irrational thoughts rather than physical defects. However, physical factors may also contribute to the development of neurosis in a small number of cases. Neurotic patterns may develop if some of the glands do not function properly, especially the thyroid gland.

The following factors appear to form a common thread in the development of many neurotic conditions:

• Emotional disturbances were frequently recorded in members of the neurotic’s family.
• As a child, the neurotic may have experienced trauma, sexual repression, and ostracism (or rejection by others).
• During childhood, above average demands were made on the neurotic to “be good”.

Today greater emphasis is being placed on the early detection and prevention of behaviour disorders. People tend to seek treatment when their abnormal behaviour hinders their ability to function. A decision regarding active treatment is usually made with these factors in mind:

• persistence of the problem
• degree of interference the problem causes with one’s everyday life
• importance of the problem in the eyes of the individual and those close to the person

A common mechanism used by neurotics to control anxiety is to avoid any direct confrontation with the source of anxiety. Thus, one of the goals of therapy is for neurotic people to remodel their self-concept and to see themselves as someone who can meet anxiety-producing situations and retain control. Another rehabilitative technique for the neurotic is learning to express hostility in adequate ways, which builds a healthy, integrated personality.