Neurotic disorders not associated with organic brain damage

Modern neuroscience research does not reveal structural changes in the brain in neurotic disorders — such as generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, adjustment reactions, or depression without psychotic symptoms.

MRI, CT, and fMRI data show that:

- brain anatomy remains intact

- only functional changes in activity in certain areas may occur, related to stress or hyperarousal

- these changes are reversible and decrease after psychotherapy.

The World Health Organization (ICD-11) and the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5-TR) classify these disorders as non-psychotic and without signs of organic damage.

This confirms the main point that neurosis is not a brain disease, but a disruption of adaptation occurring under the influence of stress, internal conflicts, trauma, or emotional dysregulation.

That is why psychotherapy is the first-choice method for most neurotic conditions.