Role of Spirituality in the Management of the Psychological and Biological Mechanisms of Fear in Neurotic Disorders

Neurotic disorders’ or simply ‘Neuroses’ is a term used to denote psychiatric conditions where the patient retains insight, i.e., they are psychiatric disorders without an organic basis, where the patient does not lose touch with reality. Excessive fear is fundamental to the development of most neuroses. Therefore, if a person suffering from any of these neuroses can successfully manage and control his irrational fears, it can hasten the recovery process. Spirituality means the consciousness of being aware of and connected with the human spirit or soul, and not with the material or physical things. Spirituality involves the recognition of a sense or belief that there is something greater than the self. The spiritual journey involves inner healing so that positive states are experienced. Research has revealed the biological mechanisms by which spiritual knowledge and practices (e.g., meditation) can help control fear to a great extent. There are three main areas in the brain (i.e., the lateral and central zones of the amygdala, the ventromedial hypothalamus, and the hippocampus) that handle the fear response and are targeted by spiritual practices, and they can help alleviate irrational fears in people suffering from neurotic disorders.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fear ، Neurotic disorders ، Spirituality