Neurasthenic syndrome, or neurasthenia - an ailment associated with diseases of the central nervous system (central nervous system) of a person. It is a depletion of the body resulting from prolonged mental and physical stress. Most often, neurasthenia affects people with a mobile lifestyle, who react violently to failure and take everything to heart. According to statistics, men over the age of 20 are prone to this disease most often. This is due to overload in terms of work, lack of rest, personal problems and stress.
Neurasthenic syndrome: what is it?
Neurasthenia is a painful state of the nervous system resulting from its depletion. Doctors often call this ailment "irritable fatigue." This term accurately describes neurasthenic syndrome.
The person who suffers from them feels very tired and at the same time incredible nervous excitability. People leading an active lifestyle, putting social activity in the first place, are especially prone to neurasthenia. They try to be in time in everything, which leads to chronic fatigue, from which there is no cure. In other words, neither sleep nor long rest can save a person from this feeling. It remains only to completely change consciousness, and then, perhaps, life will change.
Causes of neurasthenia
The appearance of this ailment can be caused by a large number of reasons. For example, they often refer to a lack of vitamins in the body, a decrease in the level of immunity, exposure to toxic substances, etc. Sometimes the disorder results from metabolic disturbances. However, the main cause of neurasthenic syndrome is the incorrect placement and reassessment of the capabilities of the psyche. The development of the disease occurs due to constant stress, depression, anxiety, etc.
A person who works hard will sooner or later feel excessive tiredness. The body simply ceases to rest, because of this the depletion of the nervous system of the body is formed. Neurasthenic syndrome (ICD code 10 - F48.0) contributes to the occurrence of insomnia, irritability, and incomprehensible short temper. Overloading his body, a person is at significant risk, which in most cases is not justified.
Symptoms of ailment
Of the signs of neurasthenia, one can distinguish:
- chronic fatigue;
- weakness of the body;
- high irritability;
- sleep disturbance and lack of appetite.
It is also necessary to pay attention to heart problems, especially if there is a lack of air. The patient will feel that the heart is working very slowly and may stop at any moment, although the cardiogram often does not show any abnormalities. There are acute pains in the heart, as well as intolerance to public transport, regular swaying and bouts of nausea.
Symptoms of the neurasthenic syndrome manifest as headache and dizziness. Perhaps the development of phobias, such as fear of an enclosed space, fear of public speaking, etc. A person is constantly irritated, loses sleep, panic fear arises for no reason.
Stages of neurasthenic syndrome. Hypersthenic form
In total, there are three stages of this disease, the most common of which is hypersthenic. At this stage, most patients feel completely healthy, and irritability and excitability are attributed to lack of sleep.
However, this develops neurasthenic syndrome, and you need to be more careful about this factor. Usually the patient is angry at the slightest noise, he is annoyed by the sound of passers-by talking, the signals of passing cars, etc. He often yells at his interlocutors, turning to insults.
In this case, the mental component is also not happy. The patient is not able to concentrate, resulting in reduced performance. Sleep problems, heavy morning rises, a feeling of weakness, headaches are characteristic of the hypersthenic form of the disease.
Annoying weakness
This stage occurs if the patient has not made certain efforts to treat the first. In this case, the disease turns into pathology, life becomes simply unbearable. Neurasthenic syndrome is a depletion of the body that is perfectly manifested at this stage of the development of the disease. Moreover, in energetic people, this ailment manifests itself quite clearly. This is due to the fact that they use a lot of effort in the wrong direction.
At this stage, the patient is no longer ready to take up work. Uncertain attempts do not lead to positive results. On the contrary, fatigue and powerlessness immediately appear that cannot be overcome. Lunch or rest breaks cannot help restore a person’s ability to work. There are mood swings. Neurasthenic syndrome is characterized by irritability and weakness. There is a feeling of resentment due to the inability to do something, and sometimes tears come out. A person feels helpless, and therefore there is stress, depression.
Hyposthenic neurasthenia
This form is characterized by prolonged prolonged lethargy and passivity of the body. There is apathy, indifference, the patient does not want to start work. Neurotic syndrome against arterial hypertension is especially dangerous, since increased pressure does not affect the body from the most favorable side. Symptoms of neurasthenia, supplemented by an increase in pressure, have a detrimental effect on the human body.
The hyposthenic form of the disease can lead to complete recovery. Due to weakness and inaction, the body rests and gradually builds up strength. At one point, it is restored, and a person can return to normal life. Often there are situations when a patient who has gotten rid of neurasthenia again behaves the same way as before. Because of this, a relapse occurs, and the ailment returns already in a more severe form. A person becomes inadequate, and causeless depression is replaced by an increase in the general tone of the body and excessive optimism.
Neurasthenia in women
It is quite difficult to accurately determine the picture of this disease in the fairer sex, since the symptoms manifest in different ways, in very rare cases the disease develops identically. Of the common signs, indifference, bitchiness, and instant mood swings can be distinguished.
Most often, a woman suffering from neurotic syndrome looks outwardly quite calm and does not show her emotions. She suffers failures hard, does not want to listen and understand anything, often tries to prove her case. In this regard, there are problems both at home and at work. The inability to rest normally leads to chronic fatigue. Then there is dissatisfaction with oneself, inhibition in thoughts and insecurity.
In addition, sometimes there is sexual neurasthenia, which is characterized by difficulties in the sexual sphere due to nerves. It appears due to sexual dissatisfaction or distrust of the partner.
Neurasthenic syndrome in children
Despite the fact that in most cases children are not exposed to such a level of workload as adults, a child may also develop neurasthenia. The following forms of this disease in childhood are:
- Upset with a feeling of fear. The child feels unexpected bouts of fear, which can last up to half an hour. The kid is afraid to be alone in the dark and gloomy rooms.
- Tantrums. Usually they affect children aged 4 to 6 years. They are expressed in falling to the floor and loud crying.
- Stuttering. Oddly enough, this phenomenon also applies to forms of neurasthenia. After all, stuttering appears as a result of a significant fright.
- Trouble sleeping. The child cannot fall asleep, he is afraid of nightmares at night, sometimes sleepwalking occurs.
- Enuresis. It is quite common in children, characterized by unconscious urination, mainly at night.
Neurasthenic syndrome in children has many manifestations, and its treatment directly depends on the correctly identified cause.
Diagnosis of ailment
Correctly determining the exact diagnosis of neurasthenia is quite difficult. The decision is based on the patient's complaints, a thorough external examination, as well as the use of instrumental methods. With their help, chronic diseases, various infections, somatic lesions can be eliminated immediately. However, you need to make sure that there were no brain injuries. To do this, conduct computed tomography.
Diagnosis of neurasthenic syndrome is based on complete trust between the patient and the doctor. The doctor in this case acts as a psychologist. The patient needs to be told about everything that bothers and torments him. The fact is that analysis of neurasthenia cannot be carried out with the help of special studies, the diagnosis is made solely on the patient’s stories and some criteria.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat neurasthenic syndrome. The most effective are those that are aimed at restoring the patient’s mental state. An excellent solution would be a hypnosis and relaxation session. Here the patient learns to think positively, as well as to control his actions and actions.
Sometimes a doctor prescribes medications to treat a neurasthenic syndrome. A certain course of therapy is created, which includes taking medications. Most often these are antidepressants and biological stimulants.
Treatment should be accompanied by proper nutrition, as well as minimizing mental and physical stress. It is necessary to explain to the patient that peace and relaxation are needed, and daily walks and outdoor games have not hurt anyone.
At home, therapy is often not as effective as in a special institution. The fact is that the household component annoys the patient, reminds him of problems. Therefore, if possible, it is better to undergo a course of treatment not at home.
Folk remedies for treatment
Self-treatment is usually not welcome without the approval of a physician. Neurasthenic syndrome is no exception. However, you can use the following tools in the early stages of the disease or together with complex treatment:
- Herb decoction. Thyme, bones, or bearberry are usually used because they have sedative properties. Grass (dry and shredded) must be poured with boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. This broth is used for 1 tbsp. spoon several times a day.
- Infusion of herbs. The cooking principle is the same, only this solution does not need to be boiled, but simply covered and allowed to brew. Here, hawthorn fruits and lingonberry leaves are perfect.
- Tincture. This liquid insist on quality vodka. Such a medicine stays in a dark place for about 10 days before being ready for use. 15-20 drops before meals 3 times a day.
Massage as a treatment
This method of therapy is not the main one, however, it is perfect in combination with the main course of treatment. The main goal of massage is to relax the body, improve blood circulation and the work of internal organs.
The movements should be smooth so that the patient feels relaxed. It is not recommended to use claps and punches with a palm edge. The average duration of a massage course is about two weeks, 20 minutes daily. Sometimes it is appropriate to conduct a session in a dark room if the patient is very tired, both mentally and physically.
Prevention
According to ICD 10, neurasthenic syndrome manifests itself in severe fatigue after overload. Therefore, the main preventive measure will be compliance with the regime of the day, a clear distinction between work and rest. If a stressful situation occurs, you need to find a way out and no longer be exposed to this risk.
When compiling the regime of the day, you need to pay attention to setting the time of rest. It is advisable that a full sleep lasts 8 hours, and it is recommended to go to bed and get up at the same time daily. Conflicts should be avoided, not try to do all the work in one day. It must be remembered that avid workaholics are considered the main candidates for the development of neurasthenic syndrome.