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Evidence for a general neurotic syndrome.
G Andrews1, G Stewart, A Morris-Yates
1Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders, University of New South Wales, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney.
Summary
Multiple neurotic syndromes often co-occur, but not in specific patterns. Higher neuroticism and external locus of control scores correlate with more diagnoses, suggesting a general neurotic syndrome predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Neurotic syndromes are characterized by symptom patterns.
- Distinguishing between syndromes relies on factors beyond defining symptoms, such as clinical history and treatment response.
- The concept of a general neurotic syndrome is influenced by underlying predispositions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the co-occurrence patterns of neurotic syndromes.
- To examine the relationship between neurotic syndromes, personality traits (neuroticism, locus of control), and the number of diagnoses.
- To explore the validity of a general neurotic syndrome concept.
Main Methods:
- Studied twin volunteers and patients with panic disorder/agoraphobia.
- Assessed lifetime experience of multiple neurotic syndrome diagnoses.
- Utilized measures of neuroticism and locus of control.
Main Results:
- Co-occurrence of multiple neurotic syndrome diagnoses was common.
- No specific patterns of co-occurrence were associated with particular syndromes.
- Abnormal neuroticism and locus of control scores were linked to diagnoses, increasing with the number of diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a general predisposition to neurosis rather than distinct, co-occurring syndromes.
- Personality factors like neuroticism and locus of control play a role in the development of multiple neurotic diagnoses.
- Treatment should focus on reducing underlying predispositions to neurosis.