Neurasthenic syndrome, or neurasthenia, is an ailment associated with diseases of the central nervous system (central nervous system) of a person. It represents the exhaustion of the body resulting from prolonged mental and physical stress. Most often, people with a mobile lifestyle suffer from neurasthenia, who react violently to failures and take everything to heart. According to statistics, men over the age of 20 are most often affected by this disease. This is due to work overload, lack of rest, personal problems and stress.
Neurasthenic syndrome: what is it?
Neurasthenia is a disease state of the nervous system resulting from its exhaustion. Doctors often refer to this condition as "irritable fatigue." This term accurately characterizes the neurasthenic syndrome.
A person who suffers from it feels both very tired and at the same time incredibly nervous excitability. People who lead an active lifestyle, putting social activities firstplace, especially prone to neurasthenia. They try to do everything in time, which leads to chronic fatigue, for which there is no cure. In other words, neither sleep nor prolonged rest can relieve a person of this feeling. It remains only to completely change consciousness, and then, perhaps, life will change.
Causes of neurasthenia
The appearance of this disease 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 occurs as a result of metabolic disorders. However, the main cause of the 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, sooner or later will feel excessive fatigue. The body simply ceases to rest, because of this, the exhaustion of the nervous system of the body is formed. Neurasthenic syndrome (ICD code 10 - F48.0) contributes to the appearance of insomnia, irritability, incomprehensible irascibility. By overloading your body, a person is exposed to significant risk, which in most cases is not justified.
Symptoms of the disease
From the signs of neurasthenia can be identified:
- 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 ifthere is a shortage of air. The patient will feel that the heart is working very slowly and can stop at any time, although the cardiogram often does not show any deviations. There are sharp pains in the region of the heart, as well as intolerance to public transport, regular swaying and bouts of nausea.
Symptoms of neurasthenic syndrome manifest as headache and dizziness. It is possible to develop phobias, such as fear of closed premises, fear of public speaking, etc. The 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 he althy, and irritability and excitability are attributed to lack of sleep.
However, this is developing a neurasthenic syndrome, and you need to pay more attention to this factor. Usually the patient gets angry at the slightest noise, he is annoyed by the sound of conversations of passers-by, the signals of passing cars, etc. He often shouts at his interlocutors, turning to insults.
At the same time, the mental component is also not encouraging. The patient is unable to concentrate, resulting in a reduced level of performance. Sleep problems, heavy morning rises, feeling of weakness, headaches are typical forhypersthenic form of the disease.
Irritable Weakness
This stage occurs if the patient has not made some effort to treat the first. In this case, the disease turns into pathology, life becomes simply unbearable. Neurasthenic syndrome is an exhaustion of the body, which is perfectly manifested at this stage of the development of the disease. And in energetic people, this disease manifests itself quite clearly. This is because they are putting so much effort in the wrong direction.
At this stage, the patient is no longer ready to take on work. Uncertain attempts do not lead to positive results. On the contrary, fatigue and impotence immediately appear, which cannot be overcome. Breaks for lunch or rest cannot help restore a person's working capacity. Mood swings occur. Neurasthenic syndrome is characterized by irritability and weakness. Here there is a feeling of resentment due to the inability to do something, and sometimes tears appear. A person feels helpless, and therefore there is stress, depression.
Hyposthenic neurasthenia
This form is characterized by prolonged lethargy and passivity of the organism. There is apathy, indifference, the patient does not want to start work. Especially dangerous is the neurasthenic syndrome against the background of arterial hypertension, since increased pressure does not affect the body from the most favorable side. The symptoms of neurasthenia, supplemented by an increase in the level of pressure, have a detrimental effect on the human body.
The hyposthenic form of the disease can lead to completerecovery. Due to weakness and inactivity, the body rests and gradually accumulates strength. At one point, it is restored, and the person can return to normal life. Often there are situations when a patient who has got rid of neurasthenia again behaves in the same way as before. Because of this, a relapse occurs, and the disease returns 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 rather difficult to accurately determine the picture of this disease in the fairer sex, since the symptoms manifest themselves in different ways, in very rare cases the disease develops in the same way. Common signs include indifference, bitchiness, and momentary mood swings.
Most often, a woman suffering from neurasthenic syndrome outwardly looks quite calm and does not show her emotions. She takes failure hard, does not want to listen and understand anything, often tries to prove her case. In this regard, problems arise both at home and at work. The inability to rest properly leads to chronic fatigue. Then there is dissatisfaction with oneself, mental retardation 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 a partner.
Neurasthenic syndrome in children
Despite the fact that children in most cases are not exposed to the same level of workload as adults, a child can also develop neurasthenia. There are the following forms of this disease in childhood:
- Disorder with a sense 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. They usually affect children between the ages of 4 and 6. They are expressed by falling to the floor and crying loudly.
- Stuttering. Oddly enough, this phenomenon also applies to forms of neurasthenia. After all, stuttering occurs as a result of significant fright.
- Sleep problems. The child cannot sleep, he is afraid of nightmares at night, sometimes sleepwalking occurs.
- Enuresis. Quite common in children, characterized by unconscious urination, predominantly at night.
Neurosthenic syndrome in children has many manifestations, and its treatment directly depends on the correctly identified cause.
Diagnosis of disease
It is quite difficult to correctly determine the exact diagnosis of neurasthenia. The decision is based on the patient's complaints, a thorough external examination, and the use of instrumental methods. With their help, you can immediately weed out chronic diseases, various infections, somatic lesions. However, you need to make sure that there were no brain injuries. To do this, a CT scan should be performed.
Diagnosisneurasthenic syndrome is made on the basis of complete trust between the patient and the doctor. The doctor in this case acts as a psychologist. The patient must be told about everything that worries and torments him. The fact is that the analysis of neurasthenia cannot be carried out with the help of special studies, the diagnosis is made solely on the basis of 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 mental state of the patient. An excellent solution would be to conduct a session of hypnosis and relaxation. Here the patient learns to think positively, as well as control his actions and deeds.
Sometimes a doctor prescribes medication to treat a neurotic syndrome. A certain course of therapy is being 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 rest are needed, and daily walks and outdoor games have not harmed anyone yet.
At home therapy is often not as effective as in a special institution. The fact is that the everyday component irritates 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-therapy is usually notwelcome without doctor's approval. Neurosthenic syndrome is no exception. However, you can use the following remedies in the early stages of the disease or along with complex treatment:
- Decoction based on herbs. Thyme, stone fruit, or bearberry are commonly used because they have sedative properties. Grass (dry and chopped) must be poured with boiling water and boiled for about 5 minutes. This decoction is used for 1 tbsp. spoon several times a day.
- Infusion of herbs. The principle of cooking is the same, only this solution does not need to be boiled, but simply covered with a lid and let it brew. Hawthorn fruit and lingonberry leaves are perfect here.
- Tincture. This liquid is insisted on high-quality vodka. Such a medicine stands 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, but it is perfect in combination with the main course of treatment. The main purpose of massage is to relax the body, improve blood circulation and the functioning of internal organs.
The movements should be smooth so that the patient feels relaxed. It is not recommended to use claps and strikes with the edge of the palm of your hand. The average duration of a massage course is about two weeks for 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 the observance of the daily regimen, a clear distinction between work and rest. If a stressful situation has occurred, you need to find a way out and no longer be exposed to this risk.
When compiling the daily routine, you need to pay attention to setting the rest time. It is desirable that a full sleep lasts 8 hours, and it is recommended to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Conflicts should be avoided, do not try to do all the work in one day. It must be remembered that inveterate workaholics are considered the main candidates for the development of a neurasthenic syndrome.
