Symptoms and treatment of asthenic neurosis. What is asthenic neurosis and how to treat it? Asthenic neurosis neurasthenia causes signs

In big cities, with their daily intense physical and mental stress, it is extremely difficult to maintain optimal mental balance. Therefore, it is the urbanized population that is most susceptible to the occurrence of symptoms of so-called chronic fatigue or neurasthenia - an alternative name for such a mental disorder as asthenic neurosis.

This disorder of mental functions occurs in people of both sexes, but men get it much more often. At the same time, its manifestations in women are more dramatic and massive.

Asthenic syndrome, which is characterized by fatigue and loss of strength, is not specific to neurasthenia and can form the basis of many other mental illnesses, starting with depression and ending with schizophrenia, therefore this syndrome in itself is not considered as an independent diagnostic sign, but for diagnosing neurasthenia it is necessary comparison with other patient complaints. Differential diagnosis requires extensive knowledge and experience from the specialist.

In a general sense, neurasthenia is a neurosis characterized by easily occurring irritability and fatigue, as well as decreased productivity in everyday work due to a drop in mental tone.

The reasons causing this condition may be:

• acute or chronic traumatic situation;
• intense mental work combined with physiological deprivation (for example, lack of sleep);
• intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts;
• infectious diseases;
• chronic intoxication (including alcoholism);
• endocrine disorders;
• malnutrition.

The neurasthenic process is heterogeneous and occurs in stages. The first manifestations of asthenic neurosis are moderate, they do not lead to significant maladaptation, and if adequate therapeutic measures are taken at this initial stage, aggravation of symptoms can be avoided at subsequent stages of the disease.

There are three main stages of asthenic neurosis:

• hypersthenic form of neurasthenia;
• irritable weakness;
• hyposthenic form.

At the first, hypersthenic stage, unreasonable irritability and increased excitability arise. A person begins to react painfully to the most insignificant stimuli, for example, the sound of the TV or the sound of rain outside the window.

Those around them, surprised by such a person’s loss of self-control, easily fall under the hot hand. It becomes difficult for the patient to cope with professional responsibilities, however, not due to fatigue or exhaustion, but due to scattered attention and distraction from the task, inability to concentrate on it. A person has difficulty falling asleep, often wakes up, and does not feel the usual vigor in the morning. During this period, there are frequent complaints of weakness, fatigue, constant headache, loss of strength, various unpleasant sensations in the body and rapid heartbeat.

At the second stage, the stage of irritable weakness, much more pronounced exhaustion and fatigue are added to excitability and irritability. Reactions of irritation become violent and numerous, and the reasons for this become more insignificant. Cognitive impairments, in particular attention deficits, become obvious to the person himself.

Concentration drops critically, work falls out of hand. The patient still complains of somatic ill health - poor sleep, pain in various parts of the body. In some cases, depression may develop or libido may decrease, leading to impotence in men. If treatment of the disease is not undertaken at this stage, it progresses to the final hyposthenic form.

At the hyposthenic stage of neurasthenia, the manifestations of the disease reach their maximum. Patients experience increasing apathy, impotent weakness, explosive irritability, they are completely absorbed in their unpleasant sensations. Mobilization to carry out everyday tasks is unthinkable for them, since persistent fatigue makes them inactive and passive.

All this gives rise to intense hypochondriacal complaints, of which there is no shortage. The depressive mood background is visible to the naked eye. Anxiety may appear, and in some cases patients become tearful.

Seeking psychiatric help is necessary for such manifestations of asthenic neurosis, since a chronic course with periodic exacerbations can lead to the development of cyclothymia.

What are the common symptoms and signs of neurasthenia?

Regardless of the stage of the pathology, asthenic neurosis is characterized by:

• asthenic-hypochondriacal and depressive-hypochondriacal complaints;
• sleep disturbances with superficiality, difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings;
• increased tendon reflexes, eyelid tremor and some other neurological signs;
• increased sensitivity (hyperesthesia) of the skin;
• sexual dysfunction in the form of decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, impotence, vaginismus, etc.;
• patient-perceived cognitive decline.

Despite the abundance of complaints from patients with neurasthenia, their subjective painful perception of their illness as extremely severe, which is caused by a depressive mood, it is extremely important to convey to them the understanding that asthenia of this type responds well to therapy and can pass without a trace, leaving no changes in the psyche and human personality.

Diagnosis of asthenic disorders

Being a mental illness of the neurotic spectrum, neurasthenia is diagnosed by a specialized specialist. In this case, the psychiatrist must, based on a face-to-face conversation with the patient and his medical history, distinguish the pathology from other related diseases that occur with asthenic syndrome. Such differential diagnosis will allow you to select an adequate therapeutic regimen.

Many people suffering from manifestations of neurasthenia have been trying for a long time to cope with it in other ways, but if the pathology has gone far and requires medical intervention, then such efforts will not bring results.

How is neurasthenia treated and what can you do yourself?

Treatment of asthenic neurosis is complex and involves the application of known efforts by the patient himself, since the first recommendation of therapy is to eliminate the causes that provoked the disease. It is in this matter that, in addition to drug support, you can do a lot on your own.

So, everyone can identify the cause of physical or mental fatigue, irritability and nervousness. If the patient is busy with an overwhelming job with constant pressure and hassle, it is worth simply changing it to a simpler and calmer one, which requires vacation and mandatory weekends for proper rest.

If a person falls ill due to constant conflicts and turmoil in the family, it is worth reviewing and adjusting the style of relationships between its members in order to create comfortable conditions at home that are conducive to recovery.

Mental exhaustion due to insufficient and malnutrition (for example, as a result of a special tendency to varied diets) can be well treated by establishing a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements.

Acupuncture and similar alternative medicine methods also sometimes work if the patient believes that it will help him get better. You can resort to massage, therapy with pleasant aromas and music.

In each specific case, it is better to begin treatment of asthenic neurosis immediately; it is reversed, first of all, by changing the patient’s lifestyle with the elimination of all factors that provoke an exacerbation, be it intense intellectual stress or a morally suppressive boss.

In the case of an infectious nature of neurasthenia, it is worth starting with treatment of the underlying disease, and if the genesis is intoxication, it is necessary to exclude the effect of toxic substances on the body.

Regardless of the reasons for the origin of asthenic neurosis, sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated, in which balneotherapy will be an advantage.

Drug therapy and psychotherapeutic assistance

As for psychotherapy, designed to help a sick person eliminate the cause of his condition, it is effective both as individual conversations with a specialist and as group and family therapy.

A psychiatrist, based on the clinical picture of a particular patient, may prescribe:

• benzodiazepine tranquilizers, which will have a sedative (calming) effect, including reducing excitability and anxiety;
• small doses of antipsychotics (in extreme cases);
• antidepressants (if depression develops as a result of the disease).

Of course, side effects may occur during psychotropic therapy, so choosing a suitable regimen may take some time. In severe cases, it is carried out in a hospital setting.

In addition to psychotropic drugs, it is advisable to take general strengthening vitamin and mineral complexes, and in case of apathy, activating herbal tinctures with psychoactive properties, for example, Eleutherococcus or Chinese lemongrass.

Prognosis and prevention of the disorder

If all recommendations are followed, the prognosis for asthenic neurosis is positive and complete recovery is highly likely. When provoking chronic factors continue to influence the patient and cause further crises, the disorder can last for decades and significantly affect the quality of life, therefore, when its first symptoms appear, it is worth taking the necessary measures immediately.

The best prevention is social and psychohygienic measures - the creation of favorable living and working conditions, rational career guidance, avoidance of emotional overload and occupational hazards.

According to experts, asthenic neurosis is a psychogenic disease of a neurotic level, which can be caused by both overwork and prolonged exposure to traumatic factors. In particular, an unfavorable situation in the family or at work, constant emotional or physical stress, and incessant anxiety have an impact. The clinical picture is represented by the leading asthenic syndrome, which occupies a leading position in this case. What does this mean? A person experiences increased fatigue, he becomes hypersensitive to various external stimuli, such as light, loud sounds, temperature changes, etc.

Mood can also be reduced, and asthenic neurosis is often accompanied by depressive states, when the patient is prone to whims and tearfulness, experiences affective lability, in addition, the ability for longer-term mental stress is weakened, attention and memory decrease, will weakens, and in general a decline occurs strength The symptoms of this disorder are very diverse, and doctors often name among the first signs irritability and extreme fatigue, which are combined with irritability, impatience, and the person has a constant desire for activity. Moreover, this happens even if there are favorable conditions for relaxation.

Gradually, it happens that the reaction of irritability is replaced by rapid exhaustion, fatigue and rapid weakness are present. Patients find it difficult to concentrate their attention and are constantly distracted from the work they are doing. Against this background, dissatisfaction with oneself arises, a tearful state is observed, and again, there is pronounced anxiety. Often asthenic neurosis is accompanied by headaches and sleep disturbances. Moreover, it can be either obvious insomnia or, conversely, extreme drowsiness, which is difficult to combat. Autonomic dysfunctions occur in the form of tachycardia, disruption of the genitourinary system, and digestive system. If vegetative symptoms are severe, then patients experience anxiety, trying to “hear” the work of the internal organs.

Features of asthenic neurosis

It is known that in some cases there is a dependence of the patient’s condition on changes in atmospheric pressure, which contributes to the occurrence of symptoms of the disease. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor and get help from a qualified specialist, since a neurasthenic complex of symptoms occurs with various endocrine and mental diseases, and is also a consequence of infectious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis to distinguish this disease from other, more severe ones that require immediate treatment.

It is now known that there are significantly more people who are at risk for various psycho-emotional disorders. This situation is due to the fact that the rhythm of life of a modern person is constantly accelerating, the flow of various information that a person must have time to perceive and assimilate is increasing. It is asthenic neurosis that often causes chronic fatigue syndrome. That is, a person complains that he cannot rest even over the weekend, fatigue does not leave him. In addition, sometimes such a patient does not even have enough vacation to return to normal health.

In addition, children also suffer. This is facilitated by physical and mental overload. Sometimes this disorder affects children who attend different schools with in-depth study of individual subjects, or children who attend several schools at the same time. At the same time, it is known that the presence of physical overstrain when visiting various sports clubs and sections does not lead to neurosis. In this case, lethargy, fatigue, and increased weakness, which is not typical for children, may occur. But after rest, such phenomena disappear. The mental stress that children receive while studying is also not the cause of neurosis. Thus, it is known that it occurs in children if there is concomitant traumatic exposure. For example, excessive demands are placed on the child, significantly higher than their capabilities.

Treatment of asthenic neurosis

When prescribing treatment, the doctor begins by recommending cessation of stress, and this applies not only to physical activities and work, but also to heavy mental stress. In this case, it is necessary to optimize the daily routine and ensure a balanced diet. If the patient has ordinary neurasthenia, that is, asthenic neurosis, then treatment can be successful in eliminating the traumatic situation, when it is enough to carry out restorative health measures. But there are also more complex cases in which it is necessary to use modern neurotropic drugs. Specialists always use an integrated approach, which includes psychotherapeutic sessions.

It should be noted that the treatment program, composed of a course of psychotherapy and medication, is not a standard that is applicable for every patient. The doctor selects treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient, based on the history of his disease. When treating children, the initial start of treatment is that the specialist identifies the presence of possible somatic diseases, since children with asthenic neurosis also complain of various pains, for example, pain in the heart area. Such disturbances are identified by children as tingling, discomfort, and palpitations. There may be nausea, indigestion, and other symptoms. The doctor must understand the reasons and prescribe adequate treatment.

Neurasthenia is a pathological condition (mental illness) that develops against the background of prolonged stress or physical overload. The risk group mainly includes people aged 20-40 years. Asthenic neurosis manifests itself as nervous weakness caused by strong experiences, infectious diseases or other stresses on the body.

Who are neurasthenics?

Signs of neurasthenia are most often recorded in women and men over 20 years of age. Basically, the pathological condition develops in able-bodied people. The development of mental disorders in this group of patients is due to increased mental or physical activity.

There is also a reactive type of neurasthenia (asthenic neurosis). The appearance of this form of pathological condition is caused by severe stress or psychological trauma. In particular, the sudden death of a loved one can lead to asthenic neurosis. The reactive type of disorder is detected in both adults and children.

It is quite difficult to determine why a person becomes neurotic: the difference in mental disorders often lies in mild clinical symptoms.

Also, in order to diagnose pathological disorders, it is important to establish the causative factor and form of neurasthenia.

Forms of neurasthenia

Asthenic neurosis, depending on the stage of development, can take on the following forms:

• hypersthenic;
• irritable weakness;
• hyposthenic.

The hypersthenic form develops at the initial stage. This type of neuro-asthenic syndrome is difficult to diagnose, as a result of which adequate treatment is not carried out. With hypersthenic neurasthenia, the following phenomena are observed:

• emotional lability;
• increased irritability;
• excessive excitability.

With this form of neurasthenia, patients often lose their temper, regularly “break down” at their own environment, and insult loved ones. Irritation is caused by common phenomena:

• conversations;
• various sounds;
• large crowds of people and more.

Patients with this type of disorder experience decreased performance. This disorder is associated with absent-mindedness and lack of concentration. Patients with the initial form of the disorder cannot perform a certain activity for a long time. They need something to distract their attention. After this, the person experiences difficulty engaging in work activities.

At the same time, cerebral neurasthenia causes sleep disturbances, manifested in the form of:

• problems falling asleep;
• disturbing dreams;
• frequent awakenings in the middle of the night.

The consequences of the described phenomena are:

The following violations may also occur:

• problems with remembering information;
• constant heaviness in the head;
• feeling of discomfort in the body.

Irritable weakness develops if appropriate treatment of the first type of neurasthenia has not been carried out. Also, this form of the disorder occurs in people with a strong nervous system. At the second stage of development of the pathological condition, increased irritability is noted, which is quickly replaced by mental exhaustion. Patients often cry after active expression of emotions.

Mental disorders manifest themselves in various situations. People with this form of nervous disorder are not able to normally enter into a working rhythm: any activity causes difficulties, which is explained by the person’s inability to concentrate on anything specific. Constant nervous tension forces sick people to leave their activities, feeling their own powerlessness.

An important feature of this form of neurasthenia is that even a long rest does not change the situation for the better.

Patients, trying to correct the current circumstances, return to work many times during the day. However, these attempts can cause the patient to become completely exhausted.

The hyposthenic form of neurasthenia in anxious and suspicious people often develops immediately, bypassing the stages described above. This stage is characterized by the following features:

• physical and mental weakness;
• lethargy;
• passive behavior;
• lack of interests;
• constantly in a bad mood.

Patients with hyposthenic neurasthenia experience persistent sadness. Patients are in a state of vague anxiety. Patients experience emotional instability and complete inability to perform work. People in this state are more focused on their own experiences and internal sensations.

In the absence of treatment, chronic neurasthenia occurs. It is also possible to develop depression. Adequate treatment can normalize sleep and eliminate attacks of neurasthenic syndrome.

Causes of nervous disorder

The causes of neurasthenia are of various types. Basically, the pathological condition develops against the background of prolonged physical or mental stress. The syndrome may also appear in people who have experienced severe stress.

Regardless of the form of neurasthenia, the reasons for the development of the pathological condition may be hidden in a malfunction of the body. Mental disorders of various types arise against the background of:

Neurasthenia is characterized by the relationship between a person’s personality and his lifestyle. More often, a mental disorder is detected in thin people who have not previously experienced intense physical or mental stress. Neurotic manifestations are often diagnosed in patients who have recently begun to live independently (separate from their parents).

Symptoms of neurasthenia

Symptoms of neurasthenia manifest themselves in the form of vegetative and mental disorders. A characteristic sign of a pathological disorder is constant pressure on the head (the so-called neurasthenic helmet). Neurosthenics in this state seem to be wearing some kind of helmet that interferes with normal life activities.

The following symptoms and signs of neurasthenic syndrome are also distinguished:

• attacks of dizziness;
• decreased performance;
• increased fatigue;
• sleep disturbance;
• memory problems;
• state of anxiety;
• unreasonable fears;
• decreased self-esteem.

These are general signs of neurasthenia, characteristic of all patients.

Mental disorders cause dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, which manifests itself in the following clinical symptoms:

• attacks of tachycardia (rapid heart rate);
• feeling of heartbeat;
• chest pain;
• blood pressure surges;
• paleness or redness of the skin.

These symptoms occur unexpectedly and are usually associated with the patient’s anxiety. In addition, patients are unable to wait long or restrain themselves.

A common occurrence is the appearance of signs of neurasthenia in women. The nature of the clinical picture in this case does not differ from that described above. The presence of mental disorders in women may be indicated by:

In men, neurasthenia manifests itself mainly as symptoms of a functional disorder. Most often, it is in this category of patients that irritable weakness is recorded, which has a chronic course. The presence of a neurotic syndrome in a man is indicated by the following phenomena:

• constant muscle pain;
• inability to concentrate on anything for more than 5-10 minutes;
• increased fatigue;
• prolonged headaches;
• inability to solve simple logical problems.

Neurasthenia occurs in the form of attacks or worries for several months or years. The likelihood of developing the second form of the pathological condition depends on the individual characteristics of the patient, the presence of concomitant diseases and other factors.

How is neurasthenia diagnosed?

Asthenic neurosis requires adequate treatment. Therefore, before selecting a treatment regimen, it is necessary to differentiate this disorder from other mental disorders.

Diagnosis of neurasthenia requires the participation of a neurologist.

The doctor assesses the patient's condition based on the patient's complaints. When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude somatic pathologies, the initial stage of development of which causes the type of mental disorder in question:

• infectious diseases of a chronic nature;
• severe intoxication;
• brain pathologies (tumor, tissue inflammation, neuroinfections).

To assess the patient's condition, a brain examination is performed using MRI or CT. Rheoencephalography is also necessary. This method allows you to determine the nature of cerebral circulation, thereby eliminating organic damage to the central nervous system.

Neurasthenia requires an integrated approach to diagnosis. Therefore, if necessary, doctors of other specializations are involved in examining the patient.

How to treat neurasthenia?

With asthenic neurosis, symptoms and treatment are determined depending on the form of mental disorder. Also, when selecting a treatment regimen, it is important to take into account the causative factor. Without analyzing the occurrence of the disease, it is impossible to achieve a positive result.

Which doctor treats neurasthenia is determined based on the diagnostic results. Psychiatrists and psychotherapists deal with this disorder. Treatment of neurasthenic syndrome should be started only if all diseases of which this disorder is a symptom have been excluded.

When treating a pathological condition, it is necessary to give preference not only to sedatives, but also to other methods.

Treatment must be supplemented with lifestyle correction.

To achieve full recovery, the patient must follow a clear daily routine, sleep at least 8 hours (fall asleep before 10 pm) and consume more vitamins. The patient should also (if possible) change the environment.

Drug treatment

Treatment of neurasthenia should be carried out taking into account the current form of the pathological condition. For the hypersthenic type of disorder, tranquilizers are prescribed to eliminate anxiety and fear. Drug treatment of neurasthenia with drugs from this group improves sleep and suppresses other symptoms.

The following medications are used in the treatment of hypersthenic form:

• "Chlordiapoxide", "Diazepam" (have sedative properties);
• "Oxazepam" (alleviates fears);
• "Phenozepam", "Lorazepam" (eliminate anxiety);
• "Nitrazepam" (increases sleep quality);
• "Medazepam" (calms);
• "Afobazole" (used to restore mental state).

In the hyposthenic form of asthenic syndrome, treatment can be supplemented with antipsychotics, which have a more powerful and calming effect on the nervous system:

• "Sonapax";
• "Haloperidol";
• "Melleril";
• "Triftazine"

Antidepressants are used to improve mood:

Antidepressants relieve the main symptoms of a mental disorder. However, long-term treatment with drugs of this group suppresses sexual desire. In addition, uncontrolled use of antidepressants negatively affects the general condition of the body.

During the treatment of asthenic neurosis, side effects may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to take some medications under the supervision of a doctor. This refers to psychostimulant medications that stimulate the nervous system.

In the treatment of neurasthenia in women, drugs aimed at restoring hormonal balance are often used. The disorder of the latter often provokes mental disorders.

Psychotherapy

If neurasthenia and its symptoms appear, treatment is recommended at the initial stage of development of the pathological condition. This will avoid a number of negative consequences and quickly restore the patient’s mental activity.

Asthenic neurosis requires complex treatment. In addition to medications, psychotherapeutic intervention is necessary to eliminate nervous disorders. The following methods are used in the treatment of nervous asthenia:

Psychotherapeutic intervention helps to completely eliminate the manifestations of asthenic syndrome, including dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.

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:

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

Forecast and prevention of neurasthenia

The success of treatment (neurasthenia) directly depends on the behavior and desire of the person. This disorder is dangerous because without adequate therapy, the causes that caused the psychological disorder continue to affect the patient. As a result, the neurasthenic syndrome intensifies.

In the absence of proper and complete treatment, this disorder suppresses the immune system, as a result of which the patient becomes susceptible to the development of bacterial or infectious pathologies.

Many people wonder what asthenic neurosis is, the symptoms of which are directly related to disorders of the nervous system.

Neurasthenia, or asthenic neurosis, is a psychogenic disease.

The cause of asthenic neurosis is prolonged exposure to traumatic factors and overwork. In the clinical picture of the disease, asthenic syndrome comes to the fore, which is characterized by increased fatigue and hypersensitivity to external stimuli, deterioration of mood, tearfulness and loss of the ability to endure prolonged intellectual and physical stress, decreased ability to remember and decreased attention. Asthenia is a consequence of exposure to stressful situations on the body.

Signs of the development of neurasthenia and stages of the disease

The main signs of the disease are as follows:

• increased fatigue;
• impatience;
• constant fatigue;
• the appearance of weakness in the limbs;
• headache;
• having difficulty trying to concentrate or engage in intellectual activities;
• “fog” in the head;
• the appearance of increased sensitivity to external stimuli;
• sleep disturbance;
• the emergence of anxieties and fears;
• decreased sexual activity.

The disease has three stages of development. The stages of the disease differ in severity of manifestation.

1. The first stage is called hypersthenic. It is characterized by increased irritability and the appearance of fussiness; during the development of the disease at this stage, a person may often lose control of himself. A person also has difficulty falling asleep and frequent pain in the head area, which is of a pressing nature. A characteristic feature of this stage of development of the disease is the appearance of pain in the spinal column, weakness and constant fatigue in the body.
2. The second stage of the disease is characterized as irritable weakness. When the disease reaches this stage, the patient develops a high degree of irritability. A person “flares up” very quickly, but also “cools down” very quickly. At this stage, the ability to concentrate is lost, and productivity drops sharply. A person experiences a feeling of fear and anxiety, low self-esteem occurs, and constant pain appears in the head area. Additionally, there is pain in the heart, shortness of breath and a feeling of lack of air, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract occurs and the degree of sweating increases.
3. The third stage is called hyposthenic. This stage of the disease is characterized by a decrease in the level of fussiness and a sharp drop in performance. During this period of development of the disease, sleep disturbance is observed, which becomes superficial, fear of death and increased tearfulness appear. A condition develops in the body that resembles depression in its external manifestations.

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Treatment of asthenic neurosis

The process of treating the disorder must begin with the elimination of stress and adherence to the daily routine; in addition, it is necessary to adjust the diet. Treatment of the disease requires elimination of the traumatic situation; it is recommended to introduce general strengthening and health procedures into the daily routine.

For successful treatment, doctors recommend using various types of relaxation, such as relaxation, meditation and emotional release sessions. Very useful during the recovery period are sports, water treatments and long walks in the fresh air. To normalize the emotional state, the use of plant-based sedatives is recommended. The basis of such drugs are:

• blue cyanosis;
• valerian;
• motherwort;
• lemon balm.

Extracts of these plants have a beneficial effect on the autonomic and central parts of the nervous system of the body. It is recommended to take a course of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps increase the body's resistance to stress. It is also useful to take preparations based on St. John's wort. Medicines made on this plant basis are good antidepressants.

The disease should be comprehensively treated using products made from adaptogen herbs, such as Eleutherococcus. These medications help with recovery and performance enhancement. They contain a large number of microelements, enzymes and vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the body. Particularly effective are drugs that contain vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.

If a patient has an advanced form of the disorder, recovery of the body occurs over a long period of time and very slowly. If symptoms develop rapidly, you should seek help from a neurologist, who will select a course of treatment that includes neurotropic medications. If necessary, you should seek help from a psychotherapist.

Asthenic neurosis (neurasthenia) is a neurotic psychogenic disease, which in most cases is caused by traumatic factors or overwork. Children are especially prone to this problem, especially with increased workload at school and lack of free time due to attending sports sections and creative clubs, which are most often encouraged by their parents.

General characteristics of the disease

Astheno-neurotic syndrome in a child consists of a persistent imbalance of the nervous system. It is characterized by high exhaustion, increased excitability, irritability and autonomic disorders. Unlike adults, children are less able to hide their emotions, so diagnosing the disease is not difficult.

Clinical forms of the disease

In the absence of proper treatment, the disease develops, the symptoms intensify and it becomes more severe. In total, there are three stages of astheno-neurotic syndrome:

1. Hypersthenic form. At the initial stage of the disease, irritability, increased excitability, and emotional instability dominate. The child begins to raise his voice without reason, scream, and use rude speech. Attention becomes distracted, which leads to problems with studies and constant distraction by external stimuli. The patient begins to be haunted by dreams related to current problems and events of the day. Having difficulty falling asleep, he does not feel rested in the morning.
2. Irritable weakness. The second stage of the disease, which occurs if adequate treatment has not been provided. Irritation intensifies, mental exhaustion increases. Having become easily excitable, the child shows bright bursts of temper, after which impotence sets in. Overexcitement gives way to grief, crying, feelings of fear or resentment. Concentration is very difficult for a child. Headaches and other discomfort occur in different parts of the body.
3. Hyposthenic form. Sometimes it occurs in people belonging to the asthenic psychotype, but more often it develops as the third phase of the astheno-neurotic syndrome. The patient suffers from lethargy, increased mental and physical exhaustion, lack of mood, apathy, and passivity. Anxiety and feelings of sadness constantly haunt the child, which is why he is prone to touchiness, tearfulness, and complains about his mood and condition. It is difficult for him to concentrate both on studies and on physical labor.

In addition to the stages described, sometimes there is a stage of protracted neurosis, which often leads to the development of neurasthenia. A child at this stage exhibits severe hypochondria, indifference to what is happening around him, and a depressive state. He is prone to a constant feeling of fear and mood disorders. Over time, the condition worsens and turns into neurotic depression.

Astheno-neurotic syndrome can be an independent disease, but sometimes it becomes a harbinger of much more complex, intractable disorders (atypical depression, schizophrenia). Therefore, it is especially important to promptly consult a specialist when the first symptoms occur.

Symptoms and signs

An experienced specialist is able to identify this disease at an early stage of its development. Symptoms largely depend on the clinical form of asthenic neurosis, but there are also general signs characteristic of all phases:

• sudden mood swings, irritability and anxiety;
• unusual mental and physical fatigue;
• problems with concentration, decreased performance;
• pressing headaches that occur in the evening;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• increased or, conversely, decreased appetite;
• sleep disorders;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• dyspeptic disorders;
• dizziness associated with overexertion.

Causes of the disease

The following reasons can lead to disorders such as neurasthenia and asthenic neurosis:

• excessive intellectual or physical stress, causing exhaustion of the nervous system;
• a tense situation at school or in the family, when the child is constantly in tension due to the expectation of insult, scandal, physical violence;
• constant criticism from parents or teachers, excessive demands on their part;
• malfunctions of the autonomic system associated with endocrine diseases;
• chronic diseases;
• sedentary and far from healthy lifestyle, unhealthy diet, hormonal imbalances.

Stages of development of asthenic neurosis

In children, neurasthenia is most often associated with problems in learning, conflicts with parents who make excessive demands. When a child is faced with physical and mental overload, he realizes that under no circumstances can he achieve the results that are expected of him. This leads to a malfunction of the nervous system.

There are three stages of disease development:

• neurotic reaction;
• neurotic conditions;
• neurotic development (disorder) of personality.

Treatment methods

Before proceeding to therapy, it is necessary to undergo a full medical examination. This is primarily due to the fact that neurasthenic symptoms can accompany other serious diseases associated with mental health, endocrine and nervous systems. In some cases, neurasthenia is provoked by infectious diseases. If other highly specialized doctors have ruled out the presence of a disease related to their profile, a psychotherapist is involved in the treatment.

After the diagnosis is established, the patient requires complete emotional peace, absence of physical and intellectual stress for the entire recovery period. In most cases, complex therapy is required, including medication and psychotherapeutic approaches.

The task of a psychotherapist is to analyze the teenager’s condition, help in revealing the internal conflict and get rid of it. In some cases, in the early stages of the disease, it is possible to do without drug treatment, which involves prescribing nootropics to stabilize the brain, muscle relaxants to get rid of headaches, as well as tranquilizers to reduce the child’s daytime nervousness. In most cases, children are prescribed vitamin complexes to improve their overall health.

Sometimes consultation with a specialist is necessary for parents if one of the causes of the disease is an unhealthy atmosphere in the family. It will not be possible to completely get rid of neurasthenia if the child is subjected to emotional pressure both at school and at home. He should be isolated from constant stress, which a change of environment can help with. In some cases, additional physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed. As an additional measure, you can try aromatherapy with soothing oils.

Neurasthenia responds well to treatment: more than 3/4 of those who contact a specialist quickly return to a normal mental and physical state and no longer encounter this disease in the future.