Irritable weakness: What is neurasthenia. Signs of neurasthenia in women Kaska neurotic symptoms

Neurasthenia - pathology nervous system, manifested with prolonged physical or mental stress. If neurasthenia appears, symptoms may be as follows: heart palpitations, redness skin (even with mild excitement), dizziness, chest pain, loss of appetite.

Forms and stages of development of the disease

Depending on the degree of manifestation of signs, several forms of neurasthenia are distinguished:

• hypersthenic form of neurasthenia (initial) - a stage characterized by increased irritability and excitability;
• irritable weakness - a stage of neurasthenia, characterized by increased irritability, excitability, which are replaced by a feeling of powerlessness and nervous exhaustion;
• hyposthenic phase - a stage characterized by lethargy, apathy, depression, bad mood, mental and physical weakness.

Causes and symptoms of neurasthenia

The causes of neurasthenia can be due to various factors:

1. Biological:
   • hereditary predisposition;
   • weakening of the body caused by smoking, drug use, alcohol;
   • unbalanced diet;
   • little time to rest;
   • mother's illness during pregnancy.
2. Psychological:
   • mental trauma suffered in childhood (fright, loss of a close relative, alcoholism of parents);
   • being in stressful conditions for a long time;
   • doing hard or unpleasant work that requires concentration.
3. Social:
   • dysfunctional family, misunderstanding on the part of parents;
   • lack of life satisfaction;
   • long-term contact with people with mental disorders and negative outlooks on life.

Signs of neurasthenia in women

The cardinal sign of neurasthenia is pathological fatigue, accompanied by other symptoms:

• irritability;
• increased excitability;
• headaches and dizziness;
• chest pain;
• frequent heartbeat;
• distraction;
• memory impairment;
• sleep disturbance;
• decreased sexual activity.

In women, the signs of the disorder are more vivid, emotions are manifested violently.

How does neurasthenia manifest in men

In men, violation nervous activity manifests itself not as brightly as in the fairer sex.

There are signs by which you can diagnose this disease in the stronger sex:

• a sensation similar to the squeezing of the head with a helmet ("neurasthenic helmet");
• exhaustion;
• fatigue;
• loss of interest in life;
• premature ejaculation;
• impotence.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Neurasthenia is characterized by many signs that individually often occur in healthy people, so a neurologist or psychotherapist should diagnose the disease. The specialist makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the patient's complaints, and, if necessary, prescribes an examination.

Neurasthenic syndrome can provoke serious illnesses, intoxication, infectious diseases of the central nervous system, inflammation and neoplasms in the brain, therefore the patient is referred to magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography... In some cases, reencephalography is required in order to determine the blood circulation in the brain.

How to treat neurasthenia

The specialist prescribes treatment immediately in order to prevent the further development of neurosis. Patients need the following:

• decrease in emotional stress;
• elimination of stressful situations leading to emotional instability;
• adjusting the daily routine, setting aside time for rest and good sleep;
• taking vitamin complexes containing calcium, iron, bromine;
• change of scenery (walks in the fresh air, travel);
• the use of tonics: the fruits of Chinese lemongrass, ginseng root, strong tea and coffee;
• warm foot baths with aromatic oils;
• relaxing massage;
• rest from mental work.

Medical treatment of neurasthenia will be effective if the recommendations for organizing a lifestyle are followed. Patients are prescribed sedatives or antidepressants aimed at eliminating the manifestations and causes of neurasthenia and preventing it further development... To relieve anxiety and irritability, Meksidol, Grandaxin, alprazolam are recommended.

If the patient complains of impaired motor activity, severe fatigue after daytime stress, then he is prescribed drugs to improve memory and mental activity. In case of sleep disorder, phenazepam, Imovan should be used.

Forecast and prevention of neurasthenia

Often, a mental disorder is triggered by severe stress. Pathology is treatable if the doctor's recommendations are followed, but if untreated, it can turn into a chronic form, which is more difficult to deal with.

Timely prevention of the disease will avoid nervous disorders and long-term treatment. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of the disease for people who are characterized by a neurasthenic type of manifestation of emotions. It is expressed by outbursts of irritation, especially with painful sensations, with failures in treatment. Such people, pouring out irritation on the first comer, begin to suffer from remorse and ask for forgiveness for their behavior.

Disease prevention includes the following recommendations:

• observance of the regime of work and rest;
• avoidance of stressful situations;
• avoidance of mental overload;
• change of activity;
• ability to disconnect from work;
• travels;
• recreation;
• a change of scenery;
• yoga classes and other relaxation techniques.

The described preventive measures must be observed if the likelihood of developing asthenic neurosis is high. The risk group includes people with a hereditary predisposition to mental disorders, dependent on the opinions of others, with low self-esteem, who want to do everything.

Irritability, screaming, tears ... And so every day, in a circle. The reason for the scandal can be a fallen spoon, a toilet lid that has not been raised, or a handle missing from the table. The surrounding sighs: "disgusting character." And they will be right - in 3 cases out of 10. The remaining seven people, at the reception with a psychotherapist, will find one of the forms of functional neurosis - hypersthenic neurasthenia. These people are not able to control their emotions; at the slightest excitement, their heart rate increases, their head hurts and dizzies. Why is the nervous system depleted and how to stop this process? Consider the pathogenesis of this mental disorder.

Neurasthenia - a malfunction of the brain

Neurasthenia does not cause changes in anatomical structure cells, such as cancer, but their functionality suffers, and seriously. Let's give an example of the work of the psyche healthy person and a patient with neurasthenia.

Colleagues talk and interfere with work. A loud sound activates an arousal region in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain responsible for emotions). Very little time passes and inhibitory neurons begin to act, extinguishing this process. The person calms down and no longer reacts so emotionally to the conversation. In a neurasthenic, inhibition processes are greatly slowed down, and the spread of foci of excitation occurs in an avalanche manner. He wants to calm down, but his brain does not allow him to. Neurons restore their energy balance only during inhibition, when all functions are slowed down. The ideal time for this process is sleep. But patients with neurasthenia with their exhausted nervous system do not sleep well, their sleep is sensitive and superficial. It turns out vicious circle, and it is impossible to escape from it without treatment.

Prerequisites for the development of the disease: many days of mental stress, mental trauma, lack of a normal daily routine, stress. Neurasthenia is more common in middle-aged men and women engaged in mental labor.

Symptoms

Asthenic syndrome. It is characterized by impairment of attention and memory. The neurotic is not capable of solving complex problems - the general discomfort interferes with the general discomfort, which results in an attack of irritability and anger. The perception of all senses is sharpened.

Superficial sleep. The patient cannot "disconnect" from the stimuli, falls asleep for a long time, periodically wakes up. Rises feeling tired and weak.

Headache. It is of a shingles nature - the so-called "neurasthenic helmet". Pain occurs most often at the end of the day. This is a starting syndrome, but during the transition to the next phase of neurasthenia, stabbing pains in the heart, neuralgia may appear.

Decreased potency. Emotional stress cannot but affect the quality of sex. The time of intercourse is reduced, morning erections disappear. Psychological impotence and neurasthenia almost always go hand in hand.

Making the diagnosis "hypersthenic neurasthenia"

At the first symptoms of neurasthenia, you need to visit a neurologist. This disease is quite common (1/3 of those suffering from mental disorders are neurotics), therefore, a preliminary diagnosis is made quickly, based on the patient's complaints. But asthenic syndrome can accompany hypertension, atherosclerosis, brain tumors and other serious diseases. Therefore, to confirm mental cause illness, the patient is sent to instrumental diagnostics - MRI, CT, encephalogram.

Complex treatment of hypersthenic neurasthenia

Before starting therapy, it is imperative to remove the cause that caused neurasthenia. Which one, psychotherapy will help to figure out. If the root cause is not revealed, then the disease can spill over into a chronic form, and then getting rid of it will not be easy.

Drug treatment

All medications (especially tranquilizers) should be taken exclusively as prescribed by a doctor, the dosage is prescribed individually.

They stimulate the process of inhibition in the neurons of the brain, have a sedative effect, and improve sleep.

Calcium glycerophosphate + iron preparations.The drugs have a tonic and restorative effect. Prescribed for nervous exhaustion.

Tranquilizers:oxazepam, phenazepam, hydroxyzine, alprazolam, mexidol, atarax.

Antipsychotics:thioridazine, sonapax, melleril.

Herbal adaptogens and antidepressants: tincture of ginseng, eleutherococcus, rhodiola rosea. Herbal preparations on the basis of St. John's wort - gelarium hypericum and deprim.

Physiotherapy

Autogenic training.A technique based on self-hypnosis. The basic working formula is: "I am calm." Helps to overcome irritability, anxiety, depression. An interesting point - you can't try. You just need to relax and exercise for 15 minutes. What happens is what happens.

Electric sleep.Low-frequency currents, acting on the central nervous system, cause inhibition of neurons. The patient relaxes and falls asleep. The procedure, unlike sleeping pills, does not lead to intoxication of the body and morning headache.

Massage.Particular attention is paid to the head area, collar and spinal area. The patient sits during the session. Rubbing and stroking techniques are used. With neurasthenia, 15..20 procedures are required, lasting about 20 minutes.

A couple of drops of oil added to your evening bath will help relax and calm the nervous system. With hypersthenic neurasthenia, preference should be given to the cold aromas of lavender, geranium, bergamot, rose, sandalwood. For the composition add lemon, sage or chamomile oil.

Psychotherapy

Explanatory and rational psychotherapy methods are used in psychotherapy sessions. Psychotrauma is revealed, which led to a mental disorder. It can be anything - a conflict at work or at home, unfulfilled expectations, a strong psychological stress. Then the doctor de-actualizes the problem. He convinces the patient that the current situation is only a stage in his long and happy life. "There will be morning, there will be day" - sessions are held under this motto. But this does not mean that treatment should take place only in an office environment. Ask your doctor to teach you psychological self-regulation techniques (Schultz technique, recreational imagery, progressive relaxation). They will help you take control of your emotions at any time.

A neurotic in the family or at work is an ordeal for others. If a person does not want to be aware of his illness, then gradually a vacuum forms around him. Neurasthenia - mental illness and it takes an integrated approach and patience to cure it. One tincture of motherwort and valerian is not enough here. But, what is especially pleasing, the prognosis for this mental disorder is favorable, and in most cases, improvement can be achieved already in the first weeks of therapy.

Neurasthenia is one of the most common nervous diseases.

According to the official statistics of the World Health Organization, over the past 25 years, the incidence rate has increased 25 times, and the statistics include only those people who applied for medical help, and such a minority. The disease has a psychogenic character and is characterized by an unstable state of the nervous system with various, and sometimes completely opposite manifestations.

The disease most often affects people in the most active period from a mental and physical point of view - from 20 to 40 years. As for children, their neurasthenia is noted in middle and senior school age. In women, neurasthenia occurs two times more often than in men - in the first case, the incidence rate is up to 160 cases per 1000 people, in the second - up to 80. The risk group is difficult to determine - neurasthenia can occur in people with different social and marital status, education, income level.

What it is?

Neurasthenia (asthenic neurosis) is a pathology of the nervous system, which is provoked by prolonged emotional and physical overload, as well as nervous exhaustion... This disease is considered common, since signs of neurasthenia are found in 1.2-5% of the population. Most often, neurasthenia is diagnosed in women and young people who start an independent life. People who do not tolerate stress, as well as people with an asthenic constitution, are predisposed to the onset of the disease.

Causes of occurrence

The greatest recognition to date has received a polyfactorial model of the etiological causes of neurasthenia. This construction is based on a comprehensive study of various factors, the impact of which initiates the onset of asthenic neurosis.

Among the most likely causes of the disease is a group of biological factors. Among them are unfavorable heredity - the presence in a family history of neurotic and psychotic disorders, which were recorded in close relatives of the patient. Here is presented the severe course of pregnancy of the patient's mother, serious infectious diseases, complex flow generic activity and birth trauma to the infant. Among the biological reasons - the innate constitution of a person: features of the functioning of the nervous system.

The psychological foundations of neurasthenia include premorbid personality traits. A significant reason for the development of pathology is psychological trauma received in childhood... An extremely negative factor that creates the basis for the formation of neuroses is the long stay of the individual in a traumatic situation. A sudden onset of the disease is often recorded after intense, sudden stress, the circumstances of which are extremely relevant and important for a person.

Scientists also name the social causes of asthenic disorder. In this group: features of the psychological climate in the parental family, the conditions of upbringing and growing up. The social environment of the patient also plays a significant role: the person's social circle, the sphere of his interests, the degree of satisfaction of personal claims.

Symptoms

Neurasthenia is characterized by symptoms that arise gradually, usually the patient and his environment cannot say for sure when the symptoms of the disease first appeared. Every day, a person feels more and more tired, rest and sleep stop helping to restore strength, he becomes irritable, insomnia, headaches appear, appetite, physical activity and desire to do something disappear.

If neurasthenia is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can cause a more serious nervous disorder or disease of the cardiovascular system, digestive system, or other systems.

The development of neurasthenia occurs in both sexes, but more often in women who are more emotional and more easily demonstrate their feelings and seek help than men.

There are 3 forms or degrees of neurasthenia. It has not yet been precisely established - these are separate forms of the disease or the degree of the same form of the disease, differing in the severity of the condition.

1. Irritable weakness - This type of neurasthenia develops in people with a strong nervous system, who have been in a state of stress for a long time or occurs after a hypertensive form, subject to an increase in the stress factor. The main symptom here is the weakness of the nervous system and the body as a whole. Patients with neurasthenia are still annoyed by everything around him, but he does not have enough strength for aggression or a showdown. They experience a sharp decrease in performance, memory, attention, it becomes more and more difficult to perform professional activities, which increases the nervous tension, they have to spend more time and effort on work, which further worsens the human condition. A characteristic symptom of neurasthenia is a sharp change in mood, inadequacy of reactions - crying or outbursts of aggression for the most insignificant reasons. From this stage of neurasthenia, it is quite difficult for the patient to cope on his own, most often he does not see a way out of the current situation and does not understand why he feels so bad and what caused the deterioration of his health and mood.
2. Hypertensive form - most often the disease begins with this form. Typical symptoms - increased sensitivity and, as a result, irritation. Patients react sharply to any stimulus - a loud sound, bright light, a crowd of people, someone's whisper, an awkward joke, any action can cause an outbreak of aggression. Such signs of neurasthenia are especially pronounced in women, they feel constantly tired, overwhelmed, unhappy and misunderstood and, more often than not, do not consider it necessary to hide their feelings. And since, due to the increased sensitivity of the nervous system, they are really annoyed by any sounds, laughter, movement or conversation, there is no need to look for a reason for irritation for a long time. Men suffering from a hypertensive form of neurasthenia are also characterized by increased irritability and aggressiveness, but they usually have better control over their behavior and “break down” not because of constant minor irritants, but are looking for a reason for irritation and a surge of aggression. This can be a subordinate's poorly performed work, a slammed door in a house, a car parked in the wrong place, and the like. In addition to weakness and irritability and a bad mood, all neurasthenics have a decrease in efficiency, concentration of attention, problems with sleep and appetite. Characterized by the appearance of such a symptom as a "neurasthenic helmet" - a strong, squeezing like a hoop, headache that appears at the end of the working day or in the evening.
3. Hyposthenic form - most often develops in people of the asthenic type, with a weak nervous system, characterized by suspiciousness, increased sensitivity... With this form of neurasthenia, the main complaint of patients is constant melancholy and weakness, the lack of strength and energy does not allow them to lead a normal life, perform daily duties, and the patient's physical condition deteriorates sharply. Usually, an appeal to doctors occurs only at this stage and the reason for the treatment of neurasthenia is precisely the impossibility of performing professional duties and severe weakness.

Signs of neurasthenia in women

Neurasthenia in women is a fairly common phenomenon today. Genital neurasthenia, the symptoms of which are the loss of mental and physical performance, irritability, is also characterized by problems in the intimate sphere. In women, as a rule, this is a decrease or complete loss of libido, low self-esteem and other changes in the nervous system.

It should be noted that the signs of neurasthenia in women are not monotonous, and therefore it is rather difficult to single out the main ones. If we consider the symptoms of the disease, then the first step is to pay attention to mental condition person. Often in this case, there is:

• quick mood swings,
• lack of joy
• women with neurasthenia do not like something all the time,
• everything is indifferent
• i don't want to do anything.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of neurasthenia is made by a neurologist based on the patient's characteristic complaints, history of the development of the disease and examination. During clinical examination, it is necessary to exclude the presence of chronic infections, intoxications or somatic diseases, the initial manifestation of which may be neurasthenia.

Neurasthenia can also develop as a manifestation of organic brain damage (tumor, inflammatory diseases, neuroinfection), therefore, to exclude it, the patient is examined on a computer (CT of the brain) or magnetic resonance (MRI of the brain) tomograph. To assess cerebral circulation in neurasthenia, rheoencephalography is performed.

Complications

In the absence of timely treatment, neurasthenia can turn into protracted depressive psychosis, requiring more serious and prolonged correction. The increased production of adrenaline, which is accompanied by neurasthenia, negatively affects functional state and work internal organshowever, this symptom is temporary and disappears without a trace after healing.

Treatment of neurasthenia

Be sure to treat neurasthenia should begin with the identification of pathology or a traumatic factor that provoked it. If the cause of the disease is not eliminated, the treatment will be ineffective. To determine the etiology of neurasthenia, neurological examination and consultation with a psychologist will help. For patients who want to get rid of neurasthenia, it is necessary to begin to normalize the mode of work and rest, since it is excessive loads that often lead to the disease.

At the first stage of treatment, the patient must follow the daily routine, fall asleep and wake up every day at the same time. It is also necessary to observe sleep hygiene, take short walks in the fresh air in the evening, eat right, and exercise regularly. The most important thing is to avoid excessive emotional and physical activity... During treatment, you can take a vacation from work in order to exclude any stressful situations... The doctor will probably advise you to change the environment, for example, go to the sea.

With a severe course of the disease, normalization of the daily routine and good rest will not be able to solve the problem. In this case, additional drug treatment of the disease is indicated. To eliminate the symptoms of anxiety, the patient can be prescribed tranquilizers for a short time (about 2-3 weeks) - alprazolam, atarax, mexidol, grandaxin. These drugs eliminate the vegetative symptoms of neurasthenia and are characterized by an activating effect on the body.

If the patient is worried about excessive fatigue, a feeling of weakness, inability to cope with everyday stress, he is additionally prescribed nootropics (encephabol, aminalon, piracetam), which improve mental activity and memory. Diazepam and phenazepam are indicated for patients with neurasthenia who are concerned about sleep disturbances. It is worth remembering that these drugs can be addictive, so you can take them for a limited period of time - no more than two weeks.

Drug treatment

In the course of drug therapy of neurasthenia, the use of tranquilizers of the benzodiazepine group (for example, Relanium, Elenium) proved to be the most effective and justified. Tranquilizers affect the structure of special substances in the brain and are responsible for the translation of excitation between mediators (specific nerve cells), which leads to the processes of inhibition of neurons, i.e. to their inability to act actively.

This principle of action is associated not only with the sedative and hypnotic effect of drugs of the tranquilizer group, but also with anti-anxiety, anti-phobic, anticonvulsant action. With data mechanism medicines, side effects are also associated, which are manifested in drowsiness, light dizziness, decreased concentration. In rare cases, individual reactions can be detected, such as itchy skin, decreased libido, nausea, constipation. Drowsiness due to taking tranquilizers is observed in patients only at the beginning of admission. Some elderly people may develop coordination disorders, in rare cases, manifestations of euphoria.

It is prohibited to prescribe drugs of the tranquilizer group if the patient has a history of diseases such as myasthenia gravis, acute ailments of the liver and kidneys. Also, it should not be assigned to drivers and other persons whose profession requires special concentration of attention or quick coordination. Alcoholic drinks, pain relievers can significantly increase the effect of tranquilizers. In advanced severe cases, the use of antipsychotics of different groups in small dosages is recommended (for example, Fluspirylene). The use of mildly acting psychoactivating drugs, such as tincture of Eleutherococcus or Chinese magnolia vine, has proven effective. In cases of pronounced depressive disorders, combined treatment with tranquilizers in combination with antidepressants (for example, Oxazepam with Paxil) is indicated.

Also, therapy must necessarily include fortifying drugs, complex vitamins, minerals, physiotherapeutic procedures, balneotherapy, herbal therapy, therapeutic exercises.

The therapeutic strategy has an absolute dependence on neurotic symptoms, its dependence on the characteristics of the character of the individual, various factors of a somatogenic or psychogenic nature. A variety of hypnosuggestational methods of psychotherapy have the greatest effect.

Physiotherapy

Eliminate clinical manifestations physiotherapy techniques will help neurasthenia. Namely, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, electrosleep have shown their effectiveness in treating the disease. At the same time with drug therapy psychotherapeutic techniques are also used: psychoanalysis, individual or group psychotherapy.

Treatment is aimed at changing the patient's attitude towards a traumatic situation and encouraging him to take an active position to solve the problem that provoked neurasthenia.

Prevention

Primary prevention of neurasthenia comes down, first of all, to careful adherence to the daily regimen, and especially sleep and wakefulness. As shown, it is with sleep disturbance that all other symptoms appear "like a snowball" that the body can easily deal with if given enough time for sleep.

The second "cornerstone" is the rejection of all types of artificial stimulants central system (alcohol, smoking, coffee abuse and, of course, categorical refusal to take drugs). It is known that amphetamine addiction is especially harmful to the central nervous system.

In addition, it is imperative to take active walks in nature, get tempered, go in for swimming and physical education, and in general, live full life... And only then no one will think that you are a "neurasthenic", and you will not be ashamed of a scandal over a trifling matter at the workplace.

Forecast

Neurasthenia among all types of neuroses has the most favorable prognosis for the patient. Usually, timely and adequate treatment, as well as the elimination of the traumatic factors of the disease, allows you to completely get rid of it. Otherwise, the transition of the disease to the chronic stage is possible, after which it will be very difficult to treat the disease.

Neurasthenia can lead to deep depression. Another consequence of the disease is a violation of human social adaptation.

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

Who are neurasthenics?

Signs of neurasthenia are recorded most often in women and men over 20 years old. 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 a pathological condition is due to severe stress or psychological trauma. In particular, sudden death can lead to asthenic neurosis. loved one... The reactive type of disorder is found in both adults and children.

It is rather 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 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 noted:

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

With this form of neurasthenia, patients often lose their temper, regularly "break out" in their own environment, insult loved ones. Irritation is caused by the usual phenomena:

• conversations;
• various sounds;
• a large crowd of people and more.

Patients with this type of disorder experience decreased performance. This violation is associated with absent-mindedness, lack of concentration. Patients with an initial form of the disorder cannot long time perform a specific action. They need something to divert attention. After that, the person experiences difficulty getting involved in work.

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

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

The consequences of the described phenomena are:

The following violations are also possible:

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

Irritable weakness develops if the 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 the development of the pathological condition, increased irritability is noted, which is quickly replaced by mental exhaustion. Patients often cry after active display of emotion.

Mental disorders manifest themselves in various situations. People with this form of a nervous disorder are not able to normally enter a work rhythm: any activity causes difficulties, which is explained by the inability of a person to concentrate on anything in particular. Constant nervous tension makes sick people leave the occupation, while 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, seeking to rectify the prevailing circumstances, return to work many times during the day. However, these attempts can cause the patient to a state of complete exhaustion.

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 bad mood.

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

In the absence of treatment, chronic neurasthenia occurs. Depression may also develop. Adequate treatment can normalize sleep and eliminate attacks of neurasthenic syndrome.

Causes of the nervous disorder

The causes of neurasthenia are of different nature... Basically, the pathological condition develops against the background of prolonged physical or mental stress. It is also possible that the syndrome may appear in people who have experienced severe stress.

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

Neurasthenia is characterized by the relationship between a person's personality and his way of life. More often, mental disorder is diagnosed in thin people who have not previously experienced intense physical or mental stress. Often, neurotic manifestations are diagnosed in patients who have recently begun to live independently (apart from their parents).

Symptoms of neurasthenia

Symptoms of neurasthenia are manifested in the form of autonomic and mental disorders. A characteristic feature a pathological disorder is considered constant pressure on the head (the so-called neurasthenic helmet). Neurasthenics in this state seem to wear a kind of helmet that interferes with normal life.

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

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

it common features neurasthenia, characteristic of all patients.

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

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

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

The appearance of signs of neurasthenia in women is considered a frequent case. Character clinical picture in this case does not differ from that described above. For availability mental disorders in women may indicate:

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

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

Neurasthenia proceeds in the form of seizures or bothers 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 choosing a therapy regimen, it is necessary to differentiate this disorder from other mental disorders.

A neurologist is required to make a diagnosis of neurasthenia.

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

• chronic infectious diseases;
• severe intoxication;
• pathology of the brain (tumor, tissue inflammation, neuroinfection).

To assess the patient's condition, the brain is examined using MRI or CT. Rheoencephalography is also needed. This method allows you to establish the nature of the cerebral circulation, thereby excluding organic damage to the central nervous system.

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

How is neurasthenia treated?

In asthenic neurosis, symptoms and treatment are determined depending on the form of the mental disorder. Also, when choosing a therapy regimen, it is important to take into account the causal factor. Without analyzing the appearance of the disease, it is impossible to achieve a positive result.

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

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

Treatment should be supplemented with lifestyle adjustments.

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

Drug treatment

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

In the therapy of the hypersthenic form, the following drugs are used:

• "Chlordiapoxide", "Diazepam" (have sedative properties);
• Oxazepam (relieves fears);
• "Phenozepam", "Lorazepam" (eliminate anxiety);
• "Nitrazepam" (improves sleep quality);
• Medazepam (soothes);
• "Afobazol" (used to restore the mental state).

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

• Sonapax;
• Haloperidol;
• Melleril;
• Triftazin.

Antidepressants are used to improve mood:

Antidepressants relieve the main symptoms of mental illness. However, prolonged treatment with drugs of this group inhibits sexual desire. In addition, uncontrolled use of antidepressants negatively affects general condition organism.

Against the background of the treatment of asthenic neurosis, the occurrence of side effects... Therefore, some of the drugs are recommended to be taken under medical supervision. This refers to psychostimulant drugs that excite the nervous system.

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

Psychotherapy

When neurasthenia and its symptoms appear, treatment is recommended at the initial stage of the 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... Besides medications psychotherapeutic intervention is required to eliminate nervous disorders. In the treatment of nervous asthenia, the following methods are used:

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 the implementation of measures aimed at restoring the functioning of the nervous system. This can be achieved by using funds traditional medicine... There are several ways to treat neurasthenia on your own. 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. Mint or lemon balm teas are used in the treatment of mental disorders.

Forecast and prevention of neurasthenia

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

In the absence of correct 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.

Cerebral neurasthenia refers to a fairly common disease similar to neuroses. In most cases, the pathology is diagnosed at the working age from 20 to 40 years. Men are much more likely to be affected by the disease than the female half of the population.

Description of the disease and the reasons for its development

Neurasthenia is a pathological change in the human nervous system and occurs under the influence of excessive physical or mental stress.

Among the main causes of the disease, the following factors are distinguished:

• overstrain of an emotional nature;
• stressful conditions;
• conflict situations lasting for a long time;
• hard physical work;
• improper nutrition;
• heredity;
• lack of sleep;
• intoxication;
• somatic disorders.

Often people suffer from cerebral neurasthenia, whose labor activity associated with intellectual work. The brain is exposed to prolonged overstrain, which becomes the impetus for the development of mental disorders.

The risk group also includes doctors, people working in the scientific field, lawyers, students.

Lifestyle can also contribute to the development of pathology. Frequent visits to nightclubs have a negative impact on the psyche. Alcohol abuse, taking toxic drugs, all this overloads the brain and provokes neurasthenia.

The causes of the disease in women can be hormonal imbalance and pregnancy.

Taken together, all these factors lead to overstrain, and in the future, and depletion of the body, which is accompanied by signs of neurasthenia.

Typical symptoms

Neurasthenia is characterized by such first symptoms as:

• insomnia;
• headaches;
• fatigue;
• heart rhythm disruptions;
• decreased memory and attention;
• increased emotionality;
• pressure and temperature surges;
• heaviness in the head;
• dizziness.

The course of the disease has three forms, each of which is characterized by its own corresponding symptoms:

• hypersthenic syndrome;
• irritable weakness;
• hyposthenic syndrome.

At the first stage, the patient has increased irritability and excitability, frequent mood swings. Such people quickly lose their temper, are capable of insults for no reason, and are impatient. Performance decreases, which becomes even more annoying.

The form of irritable weakness manifests itself in patients with a stable psyche who did not attempt to treat the disease at the first stage. Typical signs:

• a change of bad mood for moral or physical exhaustion;
• unreasonable scream;
• emotional reaction to even minor problems;
• restlessness;
• nervous weakness;
• complete exhaustion.

The third stage of pathology includes hyposthenic syndrome. In some cases, it can occur without the manifestation of the first two forms. This phenomenon is observed in patients with a labile nervous system. The main symptoms are:

• apathy;
• persistent weakness;
• anxiety;
• sadness;
• emotional instability;
• tearfulness.

Cerebral neurasthenia may have a connection with cardiovascular system... The patient develops tachycardia, pain in the abdomen, skin redness, arterial hypertension... The manifestation of such signs occurs suddenly, which can be caused by even minor excitement.

Treatment methods for neurasthenia

After receiving the results of the examination and making a diagnosis, a set of measures is prescribed to eliminate the disease. First of all, the patient needs to change his lifestyle and eliminate those factors that contribute to nervous exhaustion:

• sleep should be at least 8 hours;
• exclude the intake of nicotine and alcoholic beverages;
• take walks in the fresh air every day;
• exercise.

Medical treatment consists in taking drugs such as:

• nootropics (Aminalon, Encephabol);
• sedatives;
• homeopathic;
• tranquilizers (Atarax, Alprazolam);
• antipsychotics;
• vitamins;
• antioxidants (Mexidol).

Be sure to apply psychotherapy to the patient - this is one of the important components of the whole complex of therapy for cerebral neurasthenia. The drugs are aimed at improving physical condition and suppressing symptoms. Psychotherapy promotes the fight against the problem from the inside.

Together with drug treatment traditional medicine will also be effective, but only at the initial stage of the development of the disease, when there is still no obvious severity of symptoms. Among the most common and proven recipes are:

1. Chamomile and lemon balm tea. Helps to calm the nervous system and normalize sleep. Recommended to be taken before bedtime.
2. Baths with the addition of bran, pine needles or calamus.
3. Herbal decoction. Take chamomile, dried mint leaves and valerian root in equal amounts. Pour the collection into a saucepan, pour 0.5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. Cool and strain the finished composition. Take ¼ glass in the morning, lunch and evening.
4. Infusion of valerian. Place 1 tbsp in a thermos. l. dried plant roots and add 200 ml of boiling water. It is recommended to cook the infusion at night so that it is infused. Consume a third of a glass 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.

To receive good result acupuncture and massage are also prescribed. Swimming will be beneficial for patients. Physiotherapy is possible. Electrosleep is most effective.

It is not difficult to cure a disease such as cerebral neurasthenia. The main thing is the desire of the patient himself. An indicator of this will be, first of all, a change in your lifestyle. If the reason why psychoemotional exhaustion occurs is not eliminated, the disease will periodically make itself felt.