Neuroticism Treatment Guidelines Handout

What is neuroticism?

According to Widiger & Oltmanns (2017), neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by the tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, anger, irritability, and depression. People with neurotic personality traits often respond poorly to stress, perceiving everyday situations as threatening or overwhelming. These neurotic tendencies can lead to neurotic behaviors such as obsessive thoughts, emotional instability, and excessive worry. Neuroticism is a personality trait that is well-researched and is known to be stable over time, often developing early in life.

Individuals with high levels of neuroticism are at greater risk for mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and depressive or anxiety disorders. These individuals may also be more prone to physical ailments like cardiac problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma. Neuroticism has strong connections with mental illnesses and emotional disorders, often amplifying the negative effects of mental health and psychological disorders. Additionally, borderline personality disorder and other mental disorders can be influenced by high neuroticism.

People with neurotic behavior may struggle with mental health disorder management due to their heightened sensitivity to negative feelings and life stressors. As a result, neurotic behaviors can lead to diminished quality of life, occupational difficulties, and relationship dissatisfaction, further impacting both mental illness and physical health.

6 neuroticism treatments

Since neuroticism is part of the big five personality traits, it can influence susceptibility to mental disorders like depressive disorders, anxiety neurosis, and eating disorders. Below are six evidence-based treatments that are commonly used to address neurotic disorder and related mental health conditions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used treatment for individuals with neurotic personality traits. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to mental disorders and emotional distress. This therapy is especially beneficial for addressing depressive disorders and anxiety neurosis.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than attempting to suppress or change them. This treatment is effective for addressing individual differences in how people react to stress and anxiety, and it is often used to help manage mental health conditions that involve heightened emotional sensitivity.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Originally developed for treating borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven useful in addressing neurotic tendencies as well. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, teaching patients how to regulate their emotions and improve interpersonal relationships.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a treatment commonly used to address anxiety neurosis by gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli in a controlled environment. For individuals with neurotic behaviors, this therapy helps them confront situations that cause distress without resorting to avoidance or emotional overreaction.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are a type of medication frequently prescribed to treat neurotic disorder and related conditions such as depressive disorders and anxiety neurosis. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, SSRIs help stabilize mood and reduce the emotional fluctuations common in neurotic persons.

Mindfulness-based interventions

Mindfulness-based interventions, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), are highly effective in helping individuals with neurotic personality traits develop greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and emotions. These interventions reduce negative reactions and help patients better manage stress, improving overall mental health.

How does this handout work?

The Neuroticism Treatment Guidelines Handout by Carepatron is designed to assist healthcare professionals in managing neurotic behaviors and symptoms. This guide provides structured steps to help practitioners use the handout effectively, from accessing the resource to educating patients and discussing treatment plans. Below are the key steps for using this handout.

Step 1: Access the handout

You can find the Neuroticism Treatment Guidelines Handout within this guide. It is easily accessible through Carepatron’s platform, allowing you to download and use it as a reference during patient consultations. This tool is designed for quick and convenient access in clinical settings.

Step 2: Review the handout content

Before introducing the handout to a patient, it’s important to carefully review the content. Understanding the guidelines ensures effective communication and clarity when discussing neurotic behaviors, treatment plans, and management strategies with patients who may struggle with anxiety or emotional instability.

Step 3: Introduce the handout to the patient

Once familiar with the content, introduce the Neuroticism Treatment Guidelines Handout to the patient. This step helps frame the conversation around neuroticism, providing patients with structured information and ensuring they feel supported throughout the treatment process.

Step 4: Provide patient education

The handout serves as an educational resource. You should use it to explain key concepts related to neuroticism, such as treatment options, coping strategies, and the importance of addressing emotional and behavioral symptoms. This fosters better understanding and engagement from the patient.

Step 5: Discuss next steps

After reviewing the handout with the patient, discuss the next steps in the treatment process. This might involve scheduling follow-up appointments, recommending specific therapies, or creating an action plan for managing neurotic symptoms. Clear communication here is essential for effective treatment.

Reference

Widiger, T. A., & Oltmanns, J. R. (2017). Neuroticism is a fundamental domain of personality with enormous public health implications. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 144–145. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20411