Nervous breakdown physical symptoms
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Physical Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown
Introduction to Nervous Breakdown
A "nervous breakdown" is a non-medical term often used to describe a period of intense mental distress. It is characterized by an inability to function in daily life due to overwhelming stress or anxiety. Although not a clinical diagnosis, the term is widely recognized and used by the general public to describe severe emotional or psychological distress.
Common Physical Symptoms
Anxiety and Panic Symptoms
Individuals experiencing a nervous breakdown often report symptoms associated with anxiety and panic disorders. These can include a sense of asphyxiation, fear of dying, and growing panic 1. These symptoms are particularly prevalent in those who have a comorbid panic disorder alongside their nervous breakdown 1.
Somatic Complaints
Physical manifestations of a nervous breakdown can also include somatic symptoms such as fidgetiness, shakiness, and other forms of physical nervousness 6. These symptoms are often reported by individuals who describe their condition as a result of excessive stress or pressure 6.
Distress and Non-Specific Symptoms
The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) identifies distress as a key dimension in patients experiencing a nervous breakdown. This distress is characterized by non-specific psychological symptoms that are severe enough to cause social disability 3. These symptoms can include general feelings of unease, irritability, and an inability to relax.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
In addition to physical symptoms, emotional and behavioral symptoms are also common. These can include anger, screaming, and aggressive behavior such as breaking things 1. These symptoms are more pronounced in individuals who have a comorbid affective disorder 1.
Variations in Symptoms Based on Comorbidities
Panic Disorder
Individuals with a nervous breakdown and a comorbid panic disorder are more likely to experience intense panic-like symptoms, including a sense of asphyxiation and fear of dying 1.
Affective Disorders
Those with a comorbid affective disorder may exhibit more emotional anger and aggressive behaviors, such as screaming and breaking things 1.
Other Anxiety Disorders
Individuals with other anxiety disorders may experience fewer panic-like or emotional anger symptoms but still suffer from significant distress and anxiety 1.
Conclusion
A nervous breakdown encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms, primarily driven by underlying anxiety and stress. These symptoms can vary significantly based on comorbid psychiatric conditions, making it essential to consider the broader mental health context when addressing a nervous breakdown. Understanding these symptoms can help in identifying and providing appropriate support and treatment for those experiencing this intense form of emotional distress.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
["Nervous breakdown": a diagnostic characterization study].
"Nervous breakdown" symptoms in Hispanics can be used as clinical markers for associated psychiatric disorders, with different patterns of loss of emotional control depending on the associated disorder.
Observational StudyThe diagnostic meaning of "nervous breakdown" among lay populations.
Nervous breakdown is a time-limited condition characterized by anxious and depressed symptoms, primarily associated with external stressors, and is not an amorphous term for generalized psychiatric disturbance in lay populations.
Observational StudyThe Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) as a tool to detect and diagnose anxiety and depressive disorders in patients with a 'nervous breakdown'
The 4DSQ effectively detects and diagnoses anxiety and depressive disorders in patients with a 'nervous breakdown' by assessing distress, depression, anxiety, and somatization.
Observational StudyNervous Breakdown
Nervous breakdown is proposed to be defined as a neurotic illness in which anxiety is the predominant factor and prevents the patient from carrying out normal everyday work.
Nervous Breakdown as a Folk Illness
A nervous breakdown is viewed as a "folk illness" by most individuals, with causes attributed to stress and viewed as a temporary emotional disturbance, often requiring informal help from family and friends.
Observational StudyResponses to nervous breakdowns in America over a 40-year period. Mental health policy implications.
In the 40-year period from 1957 to 1996, people experienced more nervous breakdowns, used more informal social supports, and sought out nonmedical mental health professionals, supporting policies emphasizing informal support seeking and psychosocial treatments.
Observational Study
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"War neurosis" in military servicemen is a simpler psychologic mechanism, with symptoms returning and disappearing after the war, and often returning to normalcy after the war.
The acute nervous breakdown.
Acute psychiatric service can effectively manage most acute conditions in a matter of weeks without prolonged hospitalization, reducing the duration and cost of the illness.
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