Common Misdiagnoses of Neurosis

Neurosis is an outdated medical term that encompasses a variety of functional mental disorders. The current designation is neurotic disorders. Neurotic disorders may include a wide variety of conditions, such as post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive disorder and certain phobias. Although these disorders vary, they share some common symptoms of extreme anxiety or fear. Other symptoms may be anger, irritability, low self-esteem and obsessive thoughts and behaviors. These symptoms can be quite disabling and affect a person's ability to function in everyday activities. For example, a person suffering panic disorder may not be able to work or attend school or may not be able to tend to his or her family.

Most types of neurotic disorders are generally attributable to emotional stress. However, types of physical stress may also lead to neurosis, especially as physical stress may trigger the "fight or flight" response which releases cortisol and increases blood glucose levels. In such a physical response, adrenaline affects the nervous system.

In some cases, neurotic disorders may point to a physiological problem for which anxiety may be a symptom. A proper diagnosis is pivotal to treating the type of neurotic disorder or any underlying problem for which anxiety or extreme fear may be a symptom.

Common Misdiagnoses of Neurosis

In addition to a physical examination to rule out any physiological causes, diagnosis of a neurosis entails psychological testing. Talking with a professional may divulge a patient's feelings and responses to certain stimuli. These tests may take into account the sufferer's habits, dress, mannerisms, behaviors and feelings associated with certain fears.

Treatment for a mental disorder usually involves both psychotherapy and medications with the ultimate goal to make the patient functional and productive. Psychotherapy is considered "talk therapy" and the patient will consult regularly with a therapist who will help the patient address his or her anxiety and fears. Therapy may also include learning coping skills and behavior modification exercises to work through anxiety and avoid the "fight and flight" reaction that may arise in certain circumstances.

In some cases, anti-depressants may be prescribed with caution, as side effects may adversely affect a patient's physiology. Some medications have been known to increase thoughts of suicides in younger patients, so doctors must take into account a patient's age as well as other factors, including any family history of mental disorders.

If there is an underlying physical cause for the neurotic disorder, it must be diagnosed before symptoms can be diminished. Symptoms of a neurotic disorder, especially anxiety, may be mistaken for other symptoms of other conditions, including hyperthyroidism, mitral valve prolapse (a harmless heart condition) and even a migraine headache or indigestion.

It is important to properly treat any neurotic condition as it impedes a person's quality of life. In worse cases of a neurosis not being diagnosed or treated, a patient's condition may worsen, leading to thoughts of self harm.

Talk with an Attorney

If you or a family member have a neurotic disorder that was misdiagnosed or was not properly treated, and this malpractice has led to harm, you may have a case of medical malpractice (which also covers psychologists). You can recover damages that arose from the malpractice, including any medical costs, lost of wages or pain and suffering. Talk with an experienced malpractice attorney to discuss your case.