If something annoys you every day, you are constantly nervous, turn the phone in your hands (thanks for not a spinner) and freeze for no reason, perhaps all this is even good. And although at first glance it does not seem so definitely, scientists have found that people with a tendency to neurosis usually live longer than those who are able to accept any situation with titanic calm.
Recall that neurosis (psychoneurosis) is a reversible mental disorder characterized by obsessive or hysterical manifestations, an unstable psychoemotional state, a decrease in mental and physical activity. Experts believe that neurosis is always provoked by an external or internal conflict, which has a prolonged stressful effect on the nervous system.
Among the most common neurotic symptoms are openness to feelings, extraversion, feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, anger and frustration. But if earlier researchers focused on how neurosis is associated with depression, phobias, panic attacks and substance abuse, now they decided to see if the disorder has any positive effect on a person.
As a result of a series of experiments, scientists have found that "neurotics", in comparison with calm people, have a kind of additional protection against death. Is it incredible? But it is a fact, even in spite of common statements like: "All diseases are from the nerves."
“Our results are important because they show that neurosis and neurotic manifestations can sometimes be protective. It is possible that this is due to the vigilant attitude of "neurotics" to their health, "- said the study's lead author and researcher at the University of Edinburgh Catharine R Gale (Catharine R Gale).
In order to draw a conclusive conclusion, the team of scientists used data from the UK Biobank, collected from 502,655 people aged 37 to 73 years. The questionnaire included information on physical health, medical diagnosis, and healthy / unhealthy everyday behavior. The second stage of the study was carried out 6 years after the first.
The analysis showed that "neurotics" in the vast majority of cases have a lower risk of death from all causes, including cancer. It is also interesting that the connection between neurosis and concern for one's own health was not confirmed even in half of the cases. They were surprised when they saw that factors such as smoking, exercise, diet, and alcohol consumption did not play a significant role, the scientists said. In other words, people prone to neurosis could, for example, not part with a cigarette or drink alcohol, but their life expectancy was still higher.
Other research suggests neurosis can also be associated with imagination and a penchant for creative pursuits. So, if you want to be calmer, but often can't help it, keep in mind that you may live a longer and more creative life. And this, you see, is not so bad.
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