PSY105
Unit 4 Assignment
Adam Shump
1
Neuroticism
(A human Trait)
Neuroticism is one of the Big Five Traits of a human, also considered as a bipolar
dimensions, and includes anxiety and emotionality. Of the big five traits, neuroticism is
the only one that is negative. The more stable a person, the calmer they are under
pressure. While someone that has a trait of neuroticism, will tend to be anxious,
pessimistic, stressed, upset, fearful, and emotionally unstable. (Zimbardo, p. 423)
The broad personality trait of neuroticism is strongly associated with Axis I
psychopathology (typically what we think of as diagnosis), in particular the common
mental disorders, including anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders. Neuroticism
also plays an important role in other phenomena that correlate strongly with
psychological distress, like low subjective wellbeing, and physical health problems.
(Ormel et al., 2013, p. 2)
So what causes neuroticism? According to Psychology Encyclopedia (Online), In 1996,
a specific human gene and its corresponding alleles were linked to neuroticism. The identified
gene and its allele pair help to control the amount of serotonin released into the body through
the production of a protein known as a transporter. This transporter protein, which helps to carry
PSY105
Unit 4 Assignment
Adam Shump
2
the serotonin across the synaptic space to stimulate nerve cells, also assists the cell in
reabsorbing the serotonin.
Patients with symptoms of mental illness should undergo a thorough physical
examination and detailed patient history to rule out organic causes. If a neurotic disorder is
suspected, a psychologist or psychiatrist will usually conduct an interview with the patient and
administer clinical assessments, to evaluate mental status. Tests which may be administered for
the diagnosis and assessment of neurosis include the Neuroticism Extraversion and Openness
(NEO-R) scale, the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), and the Social
Maladjustment Schedule.
Neurosis should be treated by a counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other
mental healthcare professional. Treatment for a neurotic disorder depends on the presenting
symptoms and the level of discomfort they are causing the patient. Modes of treatment are
similar to that of other mental disorders, and can include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral
therapy, creative therapies (e.g., art or music therapy), psychoactive drugs, and relaxation
exercises. (Psychology Encyclopedia Online)
Being neurotic simply means you are over-anxious. My research has shown no positive
purpose or function for this trait. There are ways however to make positive changes in your life.
They include: (Whitboard, 2010 Online)

Not to worry about worrying, There are reasons to worry

Take practical steps to turn things around, sad moods and worry as primarily
the result of negative thoughts
PSY105
Unit 4 Assignment
Adam Shump
3

Use depressive realism to your advantage, Take a good hard look at the
situations you can control and those you can't, and work to change those you
can control.
References
Ormel, J., Jeronimus, B. F., Kotov, R., Riese, H., Bos, E. H., Hankin, B., . . . Rosmalen, J. G.
(2013). Neuroticism and common mental disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, (33), 11.
Retrieved from http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/elsevier/neuroticism-and-common-mentaldisorders-meaning-and-utility-of-a-miJQGxWXRX/1
Psychology Encyclopedia, Retrieved from http://psychology.jrank.org/pages/450/Neurosis.html
Whitbourne, S. K. (2010, October 19). The Neuroticism Paradox | Psychology Today.
Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201010/theneuroticism-paradox
Zimbardo, Phillip G., Robert L. Johnson, and Vivian McCann. Psychology Core
Concepts Seventh Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2014. Print.