Asthenic neurosis: symptoms and treatment of neurasthenic syndrome

: Reading time:

When a person is bothered by fatigue that does not go away, he rushes to “just rest” and does not think about the illness at all. Psychiatrist-psychotherapist, doctor of the highest category Nino Ashmeiba explains what neurasthenia is, what its diagnosis and treatment consists of.

Neurasthenia is a borderline neurotic disease caused by overwork or chronic stress. Neurasthenia occurs much more often than one might imagine - and not among the weak and melancholic, but among the most active and dedicated young men and women.

Causes and risk factors

With neurasthenia, as with other mental disorders, predisposing and provoking factors are distinguished.

Predisposing factors include increased personal anxiety with dependence on stress factors, various types of perfectionism, and the period of recovery after a somatic illness.

The main provoking factors are chronic stressful conditions. First of all, these are increased physical and mental stress, conflicts in the family or at work, long-term illness, lack of regular rest, acute or chronic traumatic circumstances, pronounced unfavorable life changes.

The main psychological conflict underlying neurasthenia is the contradiction between desires and capabilities Source: Chutko L.S. Neurasthenia / L.S. Sensitive // ​​Medical advice. - 2009. - pp. 23-24. .

Features of the manifestation of the disorder in children and adolescents

Asthenic neurosis in children occurs as a result of exposure to various psychotraumatic factors. This condition is characterized by temporary and reversible dysfunction of the nervous system.

Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to factors that can disrupt their mental state. The causes of the disorder include fear of adults (parents, educators, teachers), divorce of parents, introduction to a new environment (first visit to kindergarten, school), excessive stress (training, extra classes). Also, the development of asthenic neurosis can be affected by infectious diseases and exposure to toxic substances.

Neurasthenia in children manifests itself in increased irritability and tearfulness. Sometimes reactions such as excitement and impetuosity may predominate, and sometimes lethargy and uncertainty. It is very difficult for a child to restrain his emotions. There are problems with sleep, there is a lack of appetite and uncontrollable urination at night.

If not treated in a timely manner, the child’s ability to socially adapt may be impaired and depression may develop.

Symptoms

Neurasthenia is characterized by:

• Increased fatigue, physical fatigue, general weakness after minor mental or physical stress.
• Muscle pain, dizziness, headaches, inability to relax, irritability, dyspepsia.
• Secondary and unexpressed depression and anxiety.
• Increased sensitivity to loud sounds, noise and bright light. There is increased sensitivity to sensations in the internal organs.
• Sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep, shallow sleep with an abundance of dreams.
• Sexual disorders: decreased libido, premature ejaculation, weakened erection in men, incomplete orgasm, sometimes anorgasmia in women.

Clinical forms of the disease

There are three main clinical forms of asthenoneurotic syndrome. They can appear sequentially, as a result of the lack of treatment at each previous stage. Sometimes one of the forms appears immediately, but more often they appear in the following sequence:

1. Hypertensive form . In this case, high excitability and increased irritability are characteristic. A person can easily lose his temper, as even the smallest little things irritate him. It is difficult for the patient to concentrate on anything; he suffers from a pressing headache and has trouble sleeping.
2. Phase "irritable weakness" . This type of nervous disorder is typical for people with a choleric temperament or for those individuals whose nervous system is strong enough, but in whom developing neurasthenia was not detected and was identified at the first stage of development. The patient is easily excited and irritated, but emotional outbursts quickly lead to a feeling of powerlessness, devastation and end in crying. With irritable weakness it is also difficult to concentrate on anything. Trying to perform various activities leads to weakness and fatigue.
3. Hyposthenic form . Develops as a result of the lack of adequate treatment at the previous stage or with increased influence of an irritating factor. It may occur as the first stage of the development of neurasthenia in individuals with a weak nervous system or in those who belong to the asthenic type. This form is characterized by the presence of chronic fatigue in the patient, constant lethargy, and drowsiness. Under such conditions, there can be no talk of any activity - physical or intellectual. In addition, the patient is constantly in a state of inexplicable melancholy and feels anxious.

Despite the fact that each of the listed forms of disorder manifests itself in symptoms that worsen the quality of life, neurasthenia is the only condition among neuroses that has the most favorable prognosis.

Types of neurasthenia

The following forms of neurasthenia are distinguished:

• Hyposthenic
  - characterized by increased fatigue, decreased performance, drowsiness, exhaustion;
• Hypersthenic
  - characterized by increased reactivity, excitability, irascibility, and difficulty falling asleep.

Sometimes a form of neurasthenia is identified that occupies an intermediate position between the hypersthenic and hyposthenic variants and is characterized by “irritable weakness.”

Recommendations

The main point of preventive measures can be considered adherence to a well-thought-out daily routine, with a clear delineation of time for work, rest and sleep. Any potential patient must determine for himself the most suitable relaxation techniques that he can use in case of nervous or physical stress - this could be swimming, massage and relaxation procedures, yoga or breathing exercises, etc.

Under no circumstances use alcohol or other harmful substances as relaxation.

In conclusion, we will describe some important principles that a person must follow in order to get rid of neurasthenia:

1. Avoid overexertion;
2. Observe the work and rest schedule;
3. A change of activity should completely “disconnect” from work;
4. Rest and be outdoors more often.

Diagnostics

A medical neurologist makes a diagnosis based on the clinical picture of the disorder and the patient’s complaints.

A general examination by a therapist is also necessary to rule out other diseases (infections, intoxications, etc.).

Neurasthenia can be a symptom of brain diseases. To exclude them, the patient is sent for computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, a rheoencephalograph study (assessment of blood circulation in the brain) can be performed.

Causes of sexual neurasthenia

Due to the characteristics of the disease, many factors can be called the causes of sexual neurasthenia, but what they all have in common is that they significantly affect the human psyche.

The main causes of sexual neurasthenia include:

• stress on the nervous system;
• lack of rest;
• frequent masturbation from an early age;
• lack of adequate nutrition;
• bad habits;
• lack of healthy sleep;
• frequent and incomplete sexual intercourse.

The main feature of neurasthenia is that it occurs in everyone individually, stimulated by individual circumstances. At such moments, the support of family and friends is important for the patient; they are the ones who will not allow you to fall into depression.

Treatment of neurasthenia

Treatment of neurasthenia is impossible without establishing the exact cause. In the patient’s life there are factors that negatively affect his psycho-emotional state: hard work, family difficulties, etc. Without changes in life, therapy may be powerless.

The patient will need consultations with a psychotherapist, as well as possibly drug treatment (antidepressants, tranquilizers).

For the treatment of heart disorders, soothing herbs and tinctures (hawthorn, valerian, etc.) are indicated.

It is also recommended to consult a physiotherapist who will select an effective treatment program using massage, aromatherapy and other techniques.

What contributes to the development of asthenic neurosis?

It is possible to identify the main, etiological, and predisposing factors for the development of exhaustion neurosis.

The first include:

• emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from overwork;
• emotional shocks, not only negative, but also positive;
• situations that occurred with the participation or observation of the patient and negatively affected his psyche (death of loved ones, loss of work, attack);
• prolonged exposure to an irritating factor (tense relationships in a team, misunderstanding in the family);
• being in a constant state of stress;
• prolonged performance of the same type of work, which requires maximum concentration and responsibility.

Predisposing additional factors that provoke asthenic neurosis are as follows:

• hormonal disorders;
• presence of chronic somatic diseases;
• intoxication of the body;
• infections;
• vitamin deficiency;
• decrease in the body's defenses;
• irregular working hours;
• prolonged stay in an anxious state.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of neurasthenia, a person needs to follow a routine, rest, get enough sleep, and avoid stress. Walking before bed, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, and a change of environment have a positive effect.

A team of medical doctors will provide qualified assistance in the treatment of neurasthenia and other nervous disorders. You can make an appointment by phone or through the form on the website.

Sources:

1. Bozhko S.A. Experience in the use of non-medicinal methods (psychotherapy, herbal medicine and reflexology) in the treatment of neurasthenia / S.A. Bozhko, N.A. Tyuvina // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. - 2014. - pp. 19-24.
2. Veltishchev D.Yu. Neurasthenia: history and modernity / D.Yu. Veltishchev // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. - 2011. - pp. 9-12.
3. Chutko L.S. Neurasthenia / L.S. Sensitive // ​​Medical advice. - 2009. - pp. 23-24.
4. Chutko L.S. Neurasthenia: state of the problem and approaches to therapy / L.S. Sensitive [and others] // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. - 2013. - pp. 42-45.

Consequences and complications

With a prolonged course of the disease, nervous processes are depleted, which leads to the development of a number of diseases. Often patients with neurasthenia complain of insomnia , chronic headaches and intestinal manifestations. They may develop eating disorders ( anorexia , bulimia , etc.). Possible phobias, obsessive thoughts, paresthesia . In women, libido may decrease, and in men, potency may decrease.

With neurasthenia, it is difficult for a person to maintain social connections. Over time, psychological problems worsen and against this background, severe mental illness can develop.

About the disease

Sexual neurasthenia is usually called a disorder in the functioning of the central nervous system, the result of which is a decrease in desire. Men are most often affected by this disease. This type of neurasthenia poses the greatest danger to people between 20 and 40 years old.

This deviation manifests itself in the form of dysfunction of sexual behavior. Damage to the genital organs can also be a side effect.

Therapy methods

The key to success in the treatment of sexual neurasthenia is the patient’s desire to overcome it.

• General therapy after consultation with a sexologist and psychotherapist traditionally involves giving up bad habits, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following a diet. You should refrain from intimate relationships during treatment. The patient must create a favorable environment around himself that promotes the desire to live to the fullest. Relatives and close people can help him with this.

• Sleep - full, at least 8 hours a day, lying on your back, to prevent stagnation of blood in the bone marrow. It is advisable to take a vacation and go to a health care facility or resort.
• An effective method is water therapy. It provides the patient with relaxation and distraction from problems, and prevents stress from developing. Acupuncture can be used to target nerve endings to promote relaxation.
• Drug therapy includes taking tranquilizers, antidepressants, drugs that increase libido, as well as vitamins to improve the general condition of the body. Medicines in this situation are only an aid. The main role belongs to psychotherapy.

Treatment with folk remedies at home

Treatment of neurasthenia involves taking measures aimed at restoring the functioning of the nervous system. This can be achieved by using traditional medicine. There are several ways to cure neurasthenia yourself. Herbal decoctions are considered the most effective.

In the treatment of neurasthenia at home, the following are used:

1. Hawthorn decoction. You will need 1 tbsp. dried grass. Pour a glass of boiling water over the hawthorn and let it brew for 45 minutes. The product should be taken three times a day.
2. Motherwort decoction. You will need 1 tbsp. herbs. Motherwort should be poured with a glass of boiling water and heated in a water bath for 15 minutes. The product should also be taken three times a day.
3. Valerian tincture. You will need 30 drops of the product. The tincture should be mixed with a small amount of water and taken before bed.

There are other ways to get rid of neurasthenia. Peppermint or lemon balm teas are used to treat mental disorders.