compulsive movement neurosis.

One of the variants of obsessive-compulsive personality disorders is considered to be obsessive-compulsive disorder – this is a pathological condition, the so-called “obsession with movements”, or “internal compulsion to move”.

This pathology manifests itself in the emergence of obsessive motor actions in a person, which can prevent him from living a normal life. Some fantasies and ideas constantly appear in his thoughts, forcing him to make an unnecessary series of gestures and moves. Such a motor need arises constantly, often taking the form of rituals and developing into an addiction.

ICD 10 code: neurotic, stress-induced, and somatoform disorders (F40-F48).

• F40 – Phobias, anxiety disorders
• F41 – Other anxiety disorders
• F42 – Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• F43 – Reaction to severe stress, adaptation disorders
• F44 – Dissociations, conversion disorders
• F45 – Somatoform disorders
• F48 – Other neurasthenic disorders

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Causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder

The causes of mental disorders associated with the appearance of obsessive movements have not yet been precisely determined. A major role in the emergence of pathology is attributed to the modern rhythm of life, frequent stressful situations, strong daily psycho-emotional stress, an endless flow of information that our brain is simply unable to analyze.

The following factors are also considered important:

• psychological trauma that could have been received even in early childhood;
• hereditary predisposition;
• natural features of brain activity;
• strict upbringing, childhood abuse, moral trauma.

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

Sometimes obsessive actions can be observed in absolutely healthy people: usually this is a consequence of severe fatigue or mental overstrain. Such signs are relatively easy to eliminate with appropriate therapy.

The following diseases can be a trigger for the development of neurosis:

• psychasthenia;
• manic-depressive psychosis;
• schizophrenia;
• encephalitis;
• epilepsy;
• other pathologies of the central nervous system.

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

The first signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder seem quite harmless at first glance: a person stops controlling his behavior, does not watch his manners, and begins to perform actions that are incomprehensible to others (periodically touching the tip of the nose, scratching the forehead, grimacing, facial expressions, etc.).

Further symptoms are expressed in repetitive movements, gestures, “rituals”, at the same time, preoccupation with one’s actions, checking and repetition of motor moves may appear.

The symptoms of the disease in most cases frighten those around them. The patients themselves may also be critical of themselves, but they cannot do anything about the obsessive movements - their behavior is unchanged, as is their attitude to their actions.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults can manifest itself at any age, but most often the disease begins between 20 and 30 years of age, at the peak of physical and intellectual activity. The behavior of a person suffering from neurosis is often assessed as inadequate, reflecting mental activity. Sometimes the actions of the patient are considered paranoid. The patient himself admits the irrationality of such actions, but this causes a new surge of anxiety and self-discontent, which further aggravates the situation. Irritability, sleep disorders, constant fatigue, and difficulties with concentration may appear. The more pronounced the symptoms, the lower the self-esteem of the patient, who over time develops a feeling of personal inferiority.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children is usually reversible and does not result in a distorted worldview. Unfortunately, parents often do not take their child's obsessive actions seriously, believing that there is nothing to worry about and that everything will go away on its own. The pathology manifests itself in childhood in the form of repetitive gestures, manipulations, twitching, changes in facial expressions, stamping and clapping. Sometimes anxiety, increased capriciousness and tearfulness may be added to the listed symptoms. Older children (teenagers) may develop other obsessive states, phobias - for example, fear of publicity, fear of attracting someone's attention. Obsessiveness of one's own desires gives a feeling of anxiety, which can lead to alienation and secrecy.

Of course, parents should seek help from a psychotherapist as early as possible, because it is much easier to influence a child at an early age. The doctor will help the child get rid of the problem through games and entertainment, without focusing on it and without emphasizing the fact that the baby is somehow different from other children.

Consequences

If neurosis is not treated or the possible causes of the disease are not eliminated, then over time consequences may form that leave an imprint on a person's character, on his attitude towards others, as well as on social adaptation and life in general. What adverse consequences can we talk about?

• Gradual decrease in performance, deterioration of attention and intellectual abilities.
• Sleep disturbance, loss of appetite.
• Development of diseases of internal organs, decreased immune protection, the appearance of colds and bacterial infections.
• The emergence of problems in the family, at places of study and work, which is associated with misunderstanding and rejection of the patient.
• Formation of secrecy, alienation, and resentment.
• The emergence of other obsessive states.

It is very important to provide psychological help to a person in a timely manner, otherwise he will lose trust in others, become disillusioned with life, and subsequent treatment may become protracted and ineffective.

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Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Diagnosis is usually based on the patient’s complaints, the characteristics of his behavior, as well as the results of visual observation and communication with a psychotherapist.

Instrumental diagnostics is used extremely rarely, except in cases where it is necessary to confirm or refute the influence of other pathologies in the body on the development of neurosis, as well as to prevent somatic diseases due to changes in the patient's psychological state. For this purpose, the following types of research may be prescribed:

• computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging;
• positron emission tomography;
• electroencephalography;
• electromyography;
• echoencephaloscopy;
• ultrasound examination;
• thermal imaging.

As a rule, diagnosing neurosis does not cause difficulties. Characteristic symptoms always allow to correctly determine the pathology.

The doctor conducts differential diagnostics with such a disease as psychasthenia, which manifests itself in peculiar personality traits, which is accompanied by a feeling of inferiority, self-doubt, anxiety, and suspiciousness.

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Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Often you can see a situation where people around you do not take the first symptoms of the disease seriously, believing that neurosis is not a serious diagnosis that does not even need to be treated. Only a few understand that it is necessary to seek help from a doctor.

Indeed, modern therapeutic methods can rid a person of an obsessive problem. In such a situation, it is optimal to use combined treatment, with medication and mandatory consultation with a psychotherapist.

The main treatment is aimed at eliminating anxiety and fears that initially led to hidden mental trauma. It is highly desirable that the family and work environment be conducive to the patient's rehabilitation: people around and close ones should understand and accept the patient as he is, not show aggression, but gently correct his behavior and actions.

In case of obsessive neurosis, medications are not used for a long time. They are prescribed for a short period of time to eliminate some symptoms of the disease. Homeopathy is often used as a medication, and folk remedies are also used.

• General strengthening treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder may include taking multivitamin preparations, nootropic drugs. Physiotherapy and acupuncture are also prescribed.
• Of the psychotropic drugs, tranquilizers are often used, less often – maintenance doses of antidepressants (for example, Inkazan, Azafen, Pirazidol), neuroleptic drugs (Frenolone, Melleril, Sonapax).
• Thanks to sedatives, it is possible to eliminate the increase in the tone of the autonomic nervous system. For this purpose, the following medications can be prescribed: Seduxen and Phenazepam, Atropine and Platifillin, Aminazin and Reserpine.
• Nitrazepam is considered effective for sleep disorders.

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

Folk remedies

Treatment with herbs and folk remedies can make the fight against the disease more effective. However, you should not rely only on this type of therapy - a doctor's consultation is mandatory for neurosis.

• It is useful to eat bananas - it is a well-known antidepressant that improves mood and eliminates obsessive thoughts.
• It is recommended to add carrots to dishes, and also drink carrot juice - at least 1 glass per day.
• A tincture of the roots of the zamaniha will help get rid of neurosis; take 35 drops up to 3 times a day before meals.
• A good tonic and strengthening agent is an infusion of fine straw (3 tablespoons per 250 ml of boiling water). The resulting infusion should be drunk throughout the day.
• An infusion of aster flowers is successfully used to treat neurosis. One tablespoon of raw material should be poured with 250 ml of boiling water, filtered after half an hour. Use the infusion 1 tablespoon up to 4 times a day.
• A beneficial effect is provided by an aqueous infusion or alcohol tincture of ginseng, which are taken respectively at 1 teaspoon or 20 drops up to 3 times a day.
• Angelica roots are poured with boiling water and infused (for 1 teaspoon of roots - 250 ml of water). Take 100 ml up to 4 times a day.
• Bird's knotweed is poured with boiling water (3 tablespoons of raw material per 0.5 l of water). Taken before meals.
• For sleep disorders and nervous disorders, it is useful to drink tea based on forest mint leaves. It is especially recommended to drink such tea in the morning and at night.

For neuroses associated with obsessive movements, a complete vitamin-rich diet is recommended. It is useful to drink fresh juices and herbal drinks based on ginseng, linden, hops, valerian root, chamomile.

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Prevention

Preventive measures should begin in infancy. The child should be brought up and raised in a calm, friendly environment, receive adequate nutrition containing all the vital substances and vitamins.

From childhood, a child should be accustomed to a daily routine - and not only children, but also parents should adhere to the routine. The routine should include time for morning exercises, rest, and useful pastime.

Sports activities, walks in the fresh air, and water treatments have a positive effect.

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

Don’t forget about getting enough sleep – at least 8 hours a day.

Forecast

As a rule, neuroses are successfully cured in most cases. It is extremely rare for patients to acquire a chronic form of the disease.

When the cause of the disease is eliminated and treatment is carried out in a timely manner, the signs of the pathology disappear completely, and the patient returns to normal everyday life.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be undulating, with periods of exacerbation and relief. The condition can worsen again if a person finds himself in a situation that initially provoked the onset of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to protect the patient from negative thoughts, to provide him with a calm atmosphere at home and at work.

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