Experiencing colossal nervous tension every day, experiencing family quarrels and lack of creative realization, a person literally drives himself into a state of prolonged stress. Depression negatively affects not only the psycho-emotional background, but also the work of the whole organism. This is how autonomic neurosis manifests itself, from the symptoms of which a huge number of people suffer.
The work of the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex mechanism. It is part of the general nervous system and is responsible for the connection of various organs, glands and blood vessels. A person cannot control its activity. However, the full functioning of the autonomic nervous system is important for a normal physical and mental state.
Among its main functions are the following:
- regulation of the body during sleep;
- restoration and replenishment of energy resources;
- providingnormal rate of metabolic processes;
- regulation of tissue excitability;
- impact on mental functions;
- participation in behavioral responses.
Any malfunction of the ANS negatively affects the functioning of the whole organism.
Autonomic disorders in neuroses can have 2 origins. The neurosomatic nature manifests itself in dysfunction of the genitourinary, digestive, cardiac or respiratory systems. In such cases, patients suffer from disorders of speech or motor function, they may experience migraines. Neurosis can also have a psychopathological nature. In this case, disturbances in the work of the psyche are observed. They can be expressed in the form of depressive disorders, the appearance of phobias.
Disorder definition
Under vegetative neurosis, it is customary to understand a whole symptom complex that characterizes a violation of the internal organs. It develops against the background of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Most often, patients go to the doctor with complaints of pain in the heart, head and general weakness. At the same time, diagnostic studies do not reveal structural changes. Also, patients may experience a constant feeling of anxiety, insomnia and loss of energy. Most associate them with a weakened immune system, cardiac problems, or simple overwork.
A pathological condition, as a rule, develops as a result of prolonged stress, excessive physical exertion or disruption of the work/rest regime. Addictions or malnutrition can affect its occurrence. Children also suffer fromsymptoms of autonomic neurosis. However, the occurrence of pathology in them is most often due to strong feelings associated with conflicts at school or with parents.
It is noteworthy that no classification of diseases mentions autonomic neurosis. This is not a disease, but a symptom complex that characterizes various disorders. Doctors are still arguing about the appropriateness of such a diagnosis. Therefore, there is no universal treatment. It all depends on the lesion and complaints, directly, the patient himself.
Causes of pathology
Currently, doctors have been able to identify almost all factors influencing the occurrence of pathology. The main causes of autonomic neurosis are as follows:
- traumatic brain injury history;
- infectious processes of acute or chronic course;
- exhaustion due to a strict diet;
- prolonged exposure to stress;
- individual features of the nervous system;
- systematic lack of sleep;
- bad habits;
- excessive exercise.
The disorder has a genetic predisposition. 70% of people whose close relatives suffered from the manifestation of autonomic neurosis have a similar diagnosis. This is due to the inherited mechanisms of regulation of the nervous system.
Physiological manifestations
Physiological symptoms of autonomic neurosis in men in the firstturn are manifested by a decrease in libido (in 30% of cases). Impotence gradually develops, the desire for intimacy disappears. Women also experience similar manifestations. There is a sharp hormonal failure. Menstruation is irregular or completely absent.
Other physiological signs of the disorder include the following:
- Impaired functioning of the respiratory system (shortness of breath, feeling of suffocation in sleep).
- Problems with the cardiovascular system (heart palpitations, joint pain).
- Musculoskeletal dysfunction (muscle weakness, difficulty moving, cold extremities).
Another manifestation of autonomic neurosis is spasms of cerebral vessels. Patients complain of severe headaches, which sometimes end in fainting. There is a sharp increase or decrease in blood pressure, which leads to problems with sleep. There are pains in the stomach and intestines. Food is difficult to digest, appetite disappears. This is reflected in the person's weight. Nervously, he begins to rapidly lose weight.
Psychological symptoms
This group of symptoms of autonomic neurosis resembles a clinical picture characteristic of depression or mental disorders. The patient becomes irritated. He burns out emotionally. For this reason, there are difficulties with study or work. He is constantly haunted by a feeling of fear and anxiety.
Men may have excess energy. On the other hand, physical andemotional exhaustion, loss of strength. The patient feels constantly tired, even if he did nothing during the day. As a result, he has suicidal thoughts, his general well-being worsens, and the desire to do anything disappears.
In the fair sex, vegetative neurosis is manifested by excessive concern for their he alth. They can measure temperature, pulse and pressure several times a day. Gradually, self-esteem falls, a negative attitude towards appearance appears.
A previously emotional person becomes depressed. On the contrary, calm people have a charge of vivacity, however, it does not affect professional success. There are also changes in the relationship with people. Conflicts become constant companions during a conversation. A person may cry when he realizes his loneliness.
Intellectual signs
Intellectual manifestations of vegetative neurosis are reflected in the ability to concentrate. A person is constantly distracted, in a conversation he can confuse individual phrases or words.
Other symptoms of the disorder are recognized as follows:
- memory deterioration;
- lack of desire for self-development, improvement in quality of life or financial situation;
- difficulties with time management.
Quite often, doctors have to deal with the symptoms of a disorder from three groups at the same time. This indicates the progression of neurosis, which requires a longer and more complex therapy.
Diagnosis
Symptoms and treatment of autonomic neurosis can be de alt with simultaneously by several specialists (therapist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, etc.). It all depends on which system is affected.
However, diagnosing the disorder is quite difficult due to the lack of specific symptoms. It can occur in any of the body systems, and is accompanied by an extensive clinical picture. Each of the symptoms is typical for a particular disease. Therefore, the doctor has to prescribe a comprehensive examination of the patient to exclude the disease, the manifestations of which he complains about. After excluding the profile pathology and assessing the he alth of narrow specialists, the doctor can make the correct diagnosis.
Treatment recommendations
Many patients begin treatment with herbs and other folk remedies after confirming the diagnosis of "vegetative neurosis". However, this approach only gives temporary results. With such a diagnosis, qualified medical and sometimes psychotherapeutic help is indispensable.
In addition, doctors recommend a complete review of lifestyle. It is necessary to allocate time for rest, try to eat right, eliminate all addictions. Don't overload yourself. It is better for the next few months, while the therapy continues, to abandon the planned cases. The rational use of one's own strength helps to strengthen the nervous system, which means it will help in the fight against pathology.
Drug therapy
Vegetative disorders in neuroses needmedical treatment. Doctors use a wide range of drugs to manage the symptoms of the disorder.
Typically, treatment starts with sedatives. They help to calm down, get rid of feelings of anxiety, increased nervousness. Similar products are made on the basis of herbs and medicinal plants (hawthorn, valerian, lemon balm, mint). Novopassit and Persen have proven themselves well.
Tranquilizers are used to treat serious nervous disorders. They are prescribed in case of prolonged depression, the appearance of fears and phobias that prevent them from leading a full life. They also help to cope with panic attacks and increased anxiety. Among tranquilizers, Diazepam, Atarax or Tranxen are usually prescribed. They can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Drug treatment of autonomic neurosis cannot be imagined without the use of nootropics and vascular agents. They help to improve memory, normalize the functioning of the brain and the functioning of blood vessels. For this purpose, Piracetam, Phenibut, Cerebrolysin are prescribed.
Psychotherapy sessions
In the process of diagnosis and treatment, it is important to establish whether there is a connection between autonomic neurosis and psychological trauma and disorders. Otherwise, drug therapy will be ineffective.
Quite often a person does not even suspect that traumas experienced in childhood are the cause of increased anxiety in adulthood. Being in constant conflict with oneself and othersworld, the patient is experiencing a prolonged depression. This negatively affects the work of his autonomic system.
In this case, psychotherapy can become one of the effective methods of treatment. These can be either individual meetings or group sessions. Through various techniques (hypnosis, introspection), the patient gets rid of old memories and traumas. To find peace and peace of mind, you can use meditative techniques, auto-training. With their help, patients begin to perceive reality in a new way, become more confident.
Consequences and complications
Neurosis of the autonomic nervous system is a pathology that seriously changes the patient's habitual life. With a moderate form of severity, its performance is reduced by about 50%. In more serious cases, a person loses the ability to do the simplest work.
In the absence of therapy, neurosis can transform into heart disease, hypertension or hypotension, pathology of the genitourinary system or gastrointestinal tract. It all depends on which internal organ responds to the disease.
During the development of autonomic neurosis, the patient develops a critical attitude. The disorder arises and progresses exclusively with psychogenic influence. Most often this happens after a long stressful situation. If the body does not recover after the elimination of the stimulus, then the cause of the neurosis remains.
A different picture of development is also possible. After elimination of the stimulus factor, the symptoms of neurosisare saved. This indicates that the pathology has transformed into other mental disorders.
Prevention Methods
Vegetative disorders in neurosis do not pose a threat to human life, but significantly complicate it. Any ailment is easier to prevent than to subsequently treat it.
Prevention of autonomic neurosis comes down to the following rules:
- daily outdoor walks;
- normalization of the regime of work and rest (sleep should be at least 8-10 hours a day);
- reasonable approach to physical and intellectual activities;
- Practical application of available relaxation techniques.
When the first signs of neurosis appear, you should consult a doctor. Timely treatment minimizes the risk of complications and undesirable consequences.
