Neurotic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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neurotic
[nสษหrษtษชk ]
Definitions
mental health
Neurotic refers to a characteristic or behavior related to neurosis, which is a class of mental disorders. Individuals described as neurotic may exhibit excessive anxiety, emotional instability, or obsessive thoughts, but they typically remain in touch with reality. It is often used to describe a person who is overly anxious or worried.
Synonyms
anxious, compulsive, nervous, obsessive.
Examples of usage
- She has a neurotic tendency to overthink everything.
- His neurotic behavior made it hard for him to relax.
- The film portrays a neurotic character struggling with relationships.
mental disorder
A neurotic is a person affected by neurosis. These individuals often grapple with persistent anxiety or irrational fears that can interfere with daily life. While neurotic individuals may not have severe mental illnesses, their symptoms can still be distressing and disruptive.
Synonyms
hypochondriac, obsessive, worrywart.
Examples of usage
- The therapy sessions helped the neurotic to manage their anxiety.
- As a neurotic, he found social situations particularly challenging.
- Neurotics often seek help to cope with their feelings.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- The term 'neurotic' was historically used to describe a range of mental health issues, where a person might feel chronic anxiety.
- In modern psychology, being neurotic may refer to a personality trait characterized by emotional instability and moodiness.
- Research suggests that highly neurotic individuals are more likely to experience stress in daily life, impacting their overall wellbeing.
Literature
- Neurotic characters often appear in literature as they navigate their insecurities and fears, adding depth to their personality.
- Authors like Franz Kafka used neurotic protagonists to explore themes of anxiety and alienation in modern life.
- Classic works often depict neurotic behavior to highlight the struggles of self-understanding and human connection.
Cultural Perceptions
- In contemporary society, being neurotic is sometimes humorously portrayed in movies and TV shows, reflecting common human fears.
- Cultural stigma can often label neurotic behavior as weakness, but understanding it can foster empathy and mental health dialogue.
- Pop psychology often uses the term in casual contexts, sometimes oversimplifying the complexities of emotional health.
Science
- Studies show that neuroticism can be linked to genetic factors, implying a biological basis for the tendency to be anxious.
- Neuroticism has been associated with an increased risk of developing various mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
- Physiologically, neurotic tendencies may manifest in the body through stress-related responses, impacting physical health.
Origin of 'neurotic'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Greek word 'neuron,' meaning 'nerve,' which reflects the association with emotional distress.
- The term was popularized in the 18th century by Scottish physician William Cullen, who used it to describe various nervous disorders.
- The suffix โ-ticโ indicates a relationship, thus creating a term that relates to nerve-related feelings or conditions.
The term 'neurotic' originates from the Greek word 'neuron,' meaning 'nerve,' combined with the suffix '-otic,' which pertains to a condition. It was first used in the 19th century to describe a range of psychological symptoms that were believed to stem from problems with the nervous system. The concept evolved alongside psychiatric theories of the time, particularly those proposed by Sigmund Freud, who associated neurotic behavior with internal conflicts and emotional disturbances. Over time, the definition of neurotic has shifted and broadened, encompassing various forms of anxiety and irrational fears, while still maintaining its roots in discussions about mental health and emotional well-being.