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 studying 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 made, 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 the 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 brain function, 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 parents need consultation with a specialist 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.

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 mental stress is weakened, attention and memory decrease, will weakens, and in general there is a decline 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 psychotherapeutic and medication course, 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.

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;
• headaches;
• 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 has 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.

Neurasthenia, or asthenic neurosis is a psychogenic disease of a neurotic level, the causes of which are prolonged exposure to psychotraumatic factors (negative environment at home or at work, unreasonable and constant anxiety, emotional overstrain), overfatigue (prolonged mental or physical overstrain). In the clinical picture of neurosis, the foreground comes asthenic syndrome characterized by increased fatigue and hypersensitivity to external irritating factors (light, sound, changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature, etc.), low mood, increased tearfulness and moodiness, loss of ability for prolonged intellectual and physical activity, loss of concentration and memory, feeling of powerlessness. After the course treatment of asthenic neurosis in most cases, neurasthenia goes away.

Symptoms of asthenic neurosis

First appeared symptoms of asthenic neurosis appear increased fatigue, combined with irritability, a constant desire for mental or physical activity, which occurs even in conditions favorable for rest (“fatigue, not seeking rest”). Over time, the reaction of irritability gives way to rapid exhaustion, fatigue, and extreme weakness.

People suffering asthenic neurosis, lose the ability to concentrate on any one thing, are constantly distracted, lose attention, as a result of which they express dissatisfaction with themselves. They are characterized by increased sensitivity and tearfulness, and again the emergence of anxiety. This condition is often combined with a characteristic headache(shingles – “neurotic helmet” syndrome). There is constant drowsiness or, conversely, sleep disturbances, autonomic disorders (often manifested by tachycardia), increased sweating , suffocation, dysfunction of the digestive, genitourinary and other systems. If vegetative symptoms are pronounced, then the patient experiences increased anxiety about his condition, constantly “listening” to the work of his body. In some cases there is weather dependence, contributing to strengthening symptoms of asthenic neurosis. Similar symptoms can occur with neurological, mental, thyroid diseases and other endocrinological disorders. If such symptoms are detected, you should undergo an adequate examination to differentiate neurasthenia from more severe diseases.

Unfortunately, at present, the way of life, its rhythm and the growth of information flow have changed significantly, and therefore the number of people at risk for psycho-emotional disorders is growing rapidly. In many cases the reason chronic fatigue becomes neurasthenia.

Treatment of asthenic neurosis

Treatment of asthenic neurosis You should start by eliminating any stress, following a daily routine and diet, eliminating a traumatic situation, and carrying out general strengthening and health procedures.

To successfully treat asthenic neurosis, you should use various relaxation techniques -

• relaxation,
• meditation,
• sessions of psycho-emotional relief.

Sports and water procedures, walks in the fresh air are useful.

To restore the psycho-emotional background, the use of sedatives plant origin based on blue cyanosis, valerian officinalis, motherwort, lemon balm, which have a beneficial effect on the central and autonomic nervous system. The biologically active complex Nervo-Vit based on blue cyanosis, the effect of which exceeds the effect of valerian by 8-10 times, will provide a long-lasting calming effect, and vitamin C, which enhances the effect of herbs and has an antioxidant effect, will slow down oxidative reactions in the body, thereby neutralizing the effect free radicals formed as a result of a traumatic situation and attacking the body's cells, disrupting their membrane membrane, which leads to premature cell death and slower regeneration. In addition, vitamin C helps increase stress resistance body. Biologically active complex Nervo-Vit, manufactured in an easy-to-use tablet form, using cryominding technology at ultra-low temperatures, preventing the loss of pharmacological properties of medicinal herbs that are lost during the preparation of decoctions, infusions or extracts.

Other drugs that have a sedative and calming effect, containing plant-based vitamin C are also useful - Valerian P and Motherwort P, also included in the “ Secrets of longevity", named after the innovative cryo-grinding technology.

If asthenic neurosis is accompanied by depressive disorders, then along with sedative herbs it is recommended to take St. John's wort P, based on St. John's wort, which has a pronounced antidepressant effect.

Complex therapy of asthenic neurosis would not be complete without the use of herbal adaptogens(Leuzea safflower, Eleutherococcus), allowing to restore and improve performance.

Preparations, Eleutherococcus P, biologically active complexes Leveton P (based on Leuzea) and Elton P (based on Eleutherococcus), which include apiproducts - pollen ,allowing you to replenish the body suffering from nervous exhaustion, valuable biologically active substances - amino acids, macro- and microelements, enzymes, vitamins, so necessary for the body to restore strength and performance under increased mental and physical stress. The biological activity of the leading substances in medicinal herbs and bee products in Leveton P and Elton P is enhanced by the action of vitamin C and vitamin E, which are powerful antioxidants.

To keep the body in good shape, taking vitamin complexes is recommended. based on royal jelly (composed of about 120 useful substances, including 22 essential and essential amino acids, 15 groups of various microelements, up to 18% protein) and pollen (bee pollen) (28 types of various microelements, 20 amino acids), which also includes an antioxidant complex presented dihydroquercetin(standard antioxidant), vitamins C and E, the synergistic effect of which provides slowing down oxidative processes and preventing the destructive effects of free radicals in living cells of the body, protecting them from death and premature aging. Apitonus P is a general strengthening vitamin complex that can improve mood, keep the body in good shape, and significantly improve the quality of life.