Nervous breakdown is a term that is sometimes used to describe symptoms of intense mental andemotional distress.
These feelings make it difficult or even impossible to carry on normal functioning and complete daily tasks.
Many misconceptions surround the term “nervous breakdown.”
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The symptoms people experience during a “breakdown” may range from mild to much more severe.
Some people may experiencethoughts of suicideorself-harmduring a breakdown period.
Underlying mental health conditions are often a contributing factor, but life stresses often also play a role.
Sometimes thisstress is chronicand seems to build up over time until a person simply cannot cope anymore.
became more commonplace."
Today, the term “nervous breakdown” has no clinical meaning or value.
It is often used as a layman’s term to describe periods when people experience symptoms of severe distress.
Unfortunately, this usage often dismisses people’s emotional turmoil in a way that is pejorative or even stigmatizing.
The use of the term nervous breakdown declined after the 1960s.
“We need to choose our words precisely.”
In other cases, outpatient treatment is enough to help the person manage and cope with their symptoms.
The exact bang out of treatment used depends on the person’s diagnosis.
It is not uncommon for people to struggle to cope with life’s stresses.
Reaching out to a physician or mental health professional can lead to appropriate diagnosis, support, and treatment.
Gantt WH.Principles of nervous breakdown–schizokinesis and autokinesis.Ann N Y Acad Sci.
2007; 164(11):1646-1647. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.07030522
