Is anxiety disorder a neurosis?
Nov 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, anxiety disorders are a manifestation of neurosis. Acute anxiety can be alleviated through techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Regular participation in exercises like jogging and yoga can help regulate autonomic nervous function. Maintaining a light diet and avoiding excessive consumption of stimulating beverages such as coffee and strong tea may prevent increased neural excitability.
Generally, anxiety disorders are a manifestation of neurosis. The specific analysis is as follows:
Neurosis is primarily characterized by decreased mental functioning, distress, anxiety, and other symptoms, without any identifiable organic pathological basis. Anxiety disorder fully aligns with these features, making it a common presentation of neurosis. Patients with anxiety disorders often experience unfocused tension, worry, restlessness, accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations and sweating. Although these symptoms affect quality of life, they do not result in organic damage to the brain or body, which is highly consistent with the core nature of neurosis as a "functional disorder." At its essence, it results from the interaction between psychosocial factors and individual vulnerability.
In daily life, sudden episodes of anxiety can be alleviated through techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Regular participation in exercises like jogging or yoga can help regulate autonomic nervous system function. Maintaining a light diet and avoiding excessive consumption of stimulants such as coffee and strong tea may prevent increased neural excitability.
