Experiencing tremendous nervous tension every day, experiencing family quarrels and a 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 vegetative neurosis manifests itself, from the symptoms of which a huge number of people suffer.
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, the following can be distinguished:
- regulation of the body during sleep;
- restoration and replenishment of energy resources;
- ensuring the normal speed of metabolic processes;
- regulation of tissue excitability;
- effects on mental functions;
- participation in behavioral reactions.
Any malfunctioning of the ANS negatively affects the functioning of the whole organism.
Autonomic disorders in neurosis can be of 2 origin. The neurosomatic nature is manifested in the 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. At the same time, disturbances in the work of the psyche are observed. They can be expressed in the form of depressive disorders, the appearance of phobias.
Definition of the disorder
By vegetative neurosis it is customary to understand a whole symptom complex that characterizes a malfunction of internal organs. It develops against a background of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Most often, patients consult a 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 strength. Most associate them with a weakened immune system, cardiac problems, or usual overwork.
The pathological condition, as a rule, develops as a result of prolonged stress, excessive physical exertion or a violation of the work / rest regime. Harmful habits or malnutrition can affect its occurrence. Children also suffer from symptoms of autonomic neurosis. However, in them, the occurrence of pathology is most often caused by strong feelings associated with conflicts at school or with parents.
It is noteworthy that in any classification of diseases there is no mention of autonomic neurosis. This is not a disease, but a symptom complex characterizing various disorders. Doctors are still arguing about the feasibility of such a diagnosis. Therefore, universal treatment does not exist. It all depends on the lesion and complaints, directly, the patient himself.
Causes of pathology
Currently, doctors have been able to identify almost all the factors that influence the occurrence of pathology. The main causes of autonomic neurosis are the following:
- history of traumatic brain injury;
- infectious processes of acute or chronic course;
- exhaustion on the background of a strict diet;
- prolonged exposure to stress;
- individual characteristics of the nervous system;
- systematic lack of sleep;
- addictions;
- excessive physical activity.
The disorder has a genetic predisposition. 70% of people whose close relatives suffered from a manifestation of autonomic neurosis have a similar diagnosis. This is due to inherited mechanisms of regulation of the nervous system.
Physiological manifestations
The physiological symptoms of autonomic neurosis in men are primarily manifested by a decrease in libido (in 30% of cases). Impotence gradually develops, the desire for intimacy disappears. In women, similar manifestations are also observed. A sharp hormonal malfunction occurs. Menstruation is irregular or absent.
Among the other physiological signs of the disorder, the following can be distinguished:
- Impaired functioning of the respiratory system (shortness of breath, feeling of suffocation in a dream).
- Problems with the cardiovascular system (increased heart rate, joint pain).
- Dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system (muscle weakness, difficulty with movement, cold extremities).
Another manifestation of autonomic neurosis is spasms of cerebral vessels. Patients complain of severe headaches, which sometimes result 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, loss of appetite. This is reflected in the weight of the person. Nervous, he begins to rapidly lose weight.
Psychological symptoms
This group of symptoms of autonomic neurosis resembles the clinical picture characteristic of depression or mental disorders. The patient becomes irritated. It burns out emotionally. For this reason, difficulties arise with studies or work. He is constantly haunted by a sense of fear and anxiety.
In men, the appearance of excess energy is possible. On the other hand, physical and emotional exhaustion and a breakdown are not ruled out. The patient feels constantly tired, even if he did not do anything during the day. As a result, suicidal thoughts arise in him, his general health worsens, his desire to do something disappears.
In the fair sex, vegetative neurosis is manifested by excessive concern for their health. They can measure temperature, pulse, and pressure several times a day. Gradually, self-esteem falls, a negative attitude to 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 relationships with people. Conflicts become constant companions in conversation. A person can cry, realizing his loneliness.
Intellectual signs
The intellectual manifestations of autonomic neurosis affect the ability to concentrate. A person is constantly distracted, in a conversation can confuse individual phrases or words.
Other symptoms of the disorder are as follows:
- memory impairment;
- lack of desire for self-development, improving the quality of life or financial situation;
- difficulty managing time.
Quite often, doctors have to deal with the symptoms of the disorder simultaneously from three groups. This indicates the progression of neurosis, which requires a longer and more complex therapy.
Establishing diagnosis
Symptoms and treatment of autonomic neurosis can be addressed simultaneously by several specialists (therapist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, etc.). It all depends on which system is affected.
However, diagnosing the disorder is difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms. It can occur in any of the body systems, while accompanied by an extensive clinical picture. Each of the symptoms is typical of an individual ailment. Therefore, the doctor has to prescribe a comprehensive examination of the patient to exclude the disease, the manifestations of which he complains. After eliminating the pathology of a profile nature and assessing the health 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 gives only a temporary result. With such a diagnosis, qualified medical and sometimes psychotherapeutic assistance cannot be dispensed with.
In addition, doctors recommend a complete overhaul of lifestyle. It is necessary to allocate time to rest, try to eat right, eliminate all addictions. Do not overload yourself. It is better for the next few months, while the therapy will continue, to abandon the planned cases. The rational use of one's own forces helps to strengthen the nervous system, which means it will help in the fight against pathology.
Drug therapy
Autonomic disorders in neurosis require medical treatment. Doctors use a wide range of drugs to eliminate the symptoms of the disorder.
Usually, treatment begins with sedatives. They help 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). Well proven "Novopassit" and "Persen."
For the treatment of serious nervous disorders resort to tranquilizers. They are prescribed in case of prolonged depression, the appearance of fears and phobias that interfere with a full life. They also help to cope with panic attacks and increased anxiety. Among tranquilizers, Diazepam, Atarax, or Tranxen are usually prescribed. You can buy them only by prescription.
Drug treatment of autonomic neurosis cannot be imagined without the use of nootropics and vascular agents. They help 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, disorders. Otherwise, drug therapy will be ineffective.
Quite often, a person does not even suspect that childhood injuries are the cause of increased anxiety in adulthood. Being in constant conflict with himself and the world around him, the patient experiences prolonged depression. This negatively affects the work of his vegetative system.
In this case, one of the effective methods of treatment can be psychotherapy. It can be both individual meetings and group sessions. Through various techniques (hypnosis, introspection), the patient gets rid of long-standing memories and injuries. 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, they become more confident.
Consequences and Complications
Neurosis of the autonomic nervous system is a pathology that seriously changes the patient’s usual life. With an average form of severity, its performance decreases by about 50%. In more serious cases, a person loses the ability to perform the simplest work.
In the absence of therapy, a 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 forms 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 elimination of the stimulus, then the cause of the neurosis remains.
A different picture of development is also possible. After elimination of the irritant factor, the symptoms of neurosis persist. This indicates that the pathology has transformed into other mental abnormalities.
Prevention Methods
Autonomic disorders in neurosis do not pose a threat to human life, but significantly complicate it. Any ailment is easier to prevent than to subsequently deal with its treatment.
Prevention of autonomic neurosis is reduced to compliance with the following rules:
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- normalization of work and rest (sleep should be at least 8-10 hours a day);
- a reasonable approach to physical and intellectual stress;
- practical application of available relaxation methods.
When the first signs of neurosis appear, consult a doctor. Timely treatment minimizes the risk of complications and undesirable consequences.