Neurosis of compulsive movements

One of the variants of obsessive-compulsive personality disorders is the neurosis of compulsive movements - a pathological state, the so-called "obsession with movements", or "internal compulsion to move."

This pathology manifests itself in the appearance of obsessive motor actions in a person, which can prevent him from living a normal life. In his thoughts there are always some fantasies, ideas that make you make an unnecessary series of gestures and moves. This motor need arises constantly, often taking the form of rituals and becoming dependent.

Code for the ICD 10: neurotic, caused by stressful situations, as well as somatoform disorders (F40-F48).

• F40 - Phobias, anxiety disorders
• F41 - Other anxiety disorders
• F42 - Obsessively-compulsive disorders
• F43 - Reaction to a pronounced stressful situation, adaptive disorders
• F44 - Dissociation, conversion disorders
• F45 - Somatoform disorders
• F48 - Other neurasthenic disorders

[1], [2], [3]

The causes of the neurosis of compulsive movements

The causes of the mental disorder associated with the appearance of obsessive movements have not yet been accurately determined. A major role in the development of pathology is assigned to the modern rhythm of life, to frequent stressful situations, to strong everyday psychoemotional tension, to the infinite information flow that our brain simply can not analyze.

Important factors are also considered:

• psychological trauma, which could be obtained even in early childhood;
• hereditary predisposition;
• natural features of the brain;
• strict education, cruel treatment in childhood, received moral trauma.

And yet, in most cases, the pathogenesis of the disease has a functional beginning. The etiological factor is stagnation in the zones of excitation or inhibition in analyzer systems, or in the functional system of the brain.

Sometimes obsessive actions can be observed in absolutely healthy people: usually this is the result of severe fatigue or moral strain. Such signs, with appropriate therapy, are relatively easily eliminated.

The following diseases can be a contributing factor to the development of neurosis:

• psychasthenia;
• affective insanity;
• schizophrenia;
• encephalitis;
• epilepsy;
• other CNS pathologies.

Symptoms of the neurosis of compulsive movements

The first signs of a neurosis of compulsive movements seem at first sight rather harmless: a person ceases to control his behavior, does not follow manners, he becomes incomprehensible to others (periodically repeated contact of the tip of the nose, scratching his forehead, grimacing, mimic antics).

Further symptoms are expressed in repetitive movements, gestures, "rituals," and at the same time there may be concern about their actions, checking and repetition of motor moves.

Symptoms of the disease in most cases frighten others. The patients themselves can also treat themselves with criticism, but they can not do anything with obsessive movements - their behavior is invariable, as is their attitude to their actions.

• The neurosis of compulsive movements in adults can manifest at any age, but most often the disease starts in the period from 20 to 30 years, at the peak of physical and intellectual activity. The behavior of a person suffering from a neurosis is often regarded as inadequate, reflecting mental activity. Sometimes the actions of the sick person are considered paranoid. The patient himself acknowledges the irrationality of such actions, but this causes a new surge of anxiety and self-indulgence, which further exacerbates the situation. Irritability, sleep disorder, constant fatigue may occur, difficulties arise with concentration of attention. The more severe the symptomatology, the lower the self-esteem of the patient, who eventually develops a sense of personal inferiority.
• The neurosis of compulsive movements in children has, as a rule, a reversible course, not involving a distorted perception of the world. Unfortunately, often parents do not take seriously the compulsive actions of the child, believing that there is nothing terrible in this, and everything will disappear on their own. Pathology manifests itself in childhood as repetitive gestures, manipulations, twitchings, facial expressions, pritopov and prihlopov. Sometimes anxiety, increased capriciousness and tearfulness can be added to the listed signs. Older children (adolescents) may develop other obsessions, phobias-for example, fear of publicity, fear of attracting someone's attention. The intrusiveness of one's own desires gives a feeling of anxiety, which can lead to alienation and secrecy.

Of course, parents should as soon as possible seek help from a psychotherapist, because in the early childhood to influence the child is much easier. The doctor through games and entertainment will help the child get rid of the problem, not focusing on it and not emphasizing the fact that the kid is something different from other children.

Effects

If you do not treat neurosis, or do not eliminate the possible causes of the disease, then over time, the consequences that affect the character of a person, his attitude to others, and also social adaptation and life in general can form. What kind of adverse consequences can there be?

• Gradual decrease in efficiency, deterioration of attention, intellectual abilities.
• Sleep disturbance, worsening of appetite.
• Development of diseases of internal organs, reduction of immune defense, the appearance of cold and bacterial infections.
• The emergence of problems in the family, at the places of study and work, which is due to a lack of understanding and rejection of the patient.
• Formation of secrecy, alienation, resentment.
• The appearance of other obsessions.

It is very important to provide psychological help to a person in time, otherwise he will lose confidence in others, disappointed in life, and subsequent treatment can become protracted and ineffective.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Diagnosis of the neurosis of compulsive movements

Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's complaints, on the characteristics of his behavior, as well as on the result of visual observation and communication with the therapist.

Instrumental diagnostics is used extremely rarely, except when it is necessary to confirm or disprove the influence of other pathologies in the body on the development of neurosis, and also to prevent somatic diseases due to changes in the patient's psychological state. For this, the following types of research can be assigned:

• computer and magnetic resonance imaging;
• positron emission tomography;
• electroencephalography;
• electromyography;
• echoencephaloscopy;
• ultrasonography;
• thermal imaging.

As a rule, the diagnosis of a neurosis does not cause difficulties. The characteristic symptomatology always allows correctly to define a pathology.

The doctor conducts differential diagnostics with such a disease as psychasthenia, manifested by peculiar personal characteristics, which is accompanied by a feeling of defectiveness, self-doubt, anxiety, suspiciousness.

[10], [11]

Treatment of the neurosis of compulsive movements

Often you can observe a situation where others do not take seriously the first symptoms of the disease, believing that neurosis is a frivolous diagnosis, which is not necessary to treat. Only a few understand that it is necessary to seek help from a doctor.

Indeed, modern therapeutic techniques can save a person from an obsessive problem. Optimal in this situation, use a combination treatment, with medication and mandatory counseling therapist.

The main treatment is aimed at eliminating anxiety and fears, which initially led to a hidden mental trauma. It is very desirable that the situation in the family and at work is favorable for the rehabilitation of the patient: the surrounding people and relatives should understand and accept the patient as he is, do not show aggression, and gently correct his behavior and actions.

For obsessive neurosis, medicines are not used for a long time. They are prescribed for a short time to eliminate some symptoms of the disease. Often from medicines homeopathy is used, and also does not do without alternative means.

• General restorative treatment for obsessive-compulsive neuroses may include taking multivitamin preparations, nootropics. Also prescribe fizioprotsedury, acupuncture.
• Of psychotropic drugs often use tranquilizers, less often - supporting dosages of antidepressants (for example, Inkazan, Azafen, Pyrazidol), neuroleptics (Frenolone, Melleril, Sonapaks).
• Thanks to sedatives it is possible to eliminate the increase in the tone of the autonomic nervous system. For this, Seduxen and Fenazepam, Atropine and Platifillin, Aminazine and Reserpine may be prescribed.
• Nitrazepam is considered effective in sleep disorders.

The dose is selected, taking into account the characteristics of a person (his age, weight), as well as the severity of signs of the disease.

Alternative treatment

Treatment with herbs and alternative means can make the fight against the disease more effective. However, do not rely solely on this type of therapy - doctor's consultation with neurosis is mandatory.

• It is useful to eat bananas - this is a well-known antidepressant, which improves mood and eliminates obsessive thoughts.
• It is recommended to add carrots to dishes, and also to drink carrot juice - at least 1 cup per day.
• It will help to get rid of the neurosis tincture of zamaniha roots, which take 35 drops to 3 times a day before meals.
• A good tonic and firming remedy is the infusion of shallow straw (3 tablespoons per 250 ml of boiling water). The resulting infusion should be drunk throughout the day.
• Successfully used for the treatment of neurosis infusion of asters. One tablespoon of raw material should be poured into 250 ml of boiling water, filtered after half an hour. Use an infusion of 1 tbsp. Spoon up to 4 times a day.
• A useful effect is a water infusion or alcohol tincture of ginseng, which take respectively 1 teaspoon or 20 drops to 3 times a day.
• The roots of Angelica pour boiling water and insist (for 1 tsp roots - 250 ml of water). Take 100 ml to 4 times a day.
• Bird mountaineer pour boiling water (3 tablespoons of raw materials for 0.5 liters of water). Take before eating.
• In cases of sleep disorders and nervous breakdown, it is useful to drink tea on the basis of leaves of forest mint. It is especially recommended to drink this tea in the mornings and at night.

With neuroses associated with obsessive movements, a full-value vitaminized diet is recommended. It is useful to drink fresh juices and herbal drinks based on ginseng, lime, hops, valerian root, chamomile.

[12], [13], [14], [15]

Prevention

Preventive measures should be started in infancy. The child should be educated and grow in a relaxed, friendly environment, receive a full-fledged diet containing all vitally important substances and vitamins.

Since childhood, it is necessary to accustom the baby to the regime of the day - at the same time the rules should be followed not only by children, but also by parents. The regime should provide time for morning exercises, rest, useful pastime.

A positive effect is given to sports, walking outdoors, water procedures.

Adults are advised to avoid stressful situations, to find time not only for work, but also for recreation. At the same time, rest should not be associated with a computer, television, alcohol or visiting nightclubs. Rest should be useful: in the park, in the country, in nature, in the fitness club or at the stadium.

Do not forget about a full sleep - at least 8 hours a day.

Forecast

As a rule, neuroses in most cases are safely cured. Very rarely, patients acquire a chronic form of the disease.

When the cause of the disease is eliminated, the treatment is carried out in time, signs of pathology pass completely, and the patient returns to normal daily life.

The neurosis of obsessive movements can be wavy in character, with periods of exacerbation and relief. The condition can deteriorate again if the person is in a situation that initially provoked the appearance of the disease. Therefore it is very important to protect the patient from negative thoughts, to provide him with a quiet atmosphere in the home and at work.

[16], [17]