NEURASTHENIA Meaning and
Definition
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Neurasthenia is a medical term used to describe a complex and multifaceted condition characterized by a state of chronic fatigue, nervousness, and general weakness. It is often referred to as an ailment of the nervous system or nerve exhaustion. The term was coined in the late 19th century by American physician George Miller Beard, who attributed its cause to the rapid pace of modern life and technological advancements.
Symptoms of neurasthenia may vary but commonly include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. Individuals with neurasthenia often experience both physical and psychological symptoms, which may manifest as muscle pains, headaches, digestive issues, and anxiety. The condition can significantly interfere with daily functioning and diminish the overall quality of life.
Although the exact mechanisms underlying neurasthenia remain unclear, it has been often associated with chronic stress, emotional trauma, and other environmental factors. Neurasthenia is typically treated through a combination of lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, therapy, and in some cases, medication. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve overall well-being, and build resilience against stressors.
In contemporary medical practice, the diagnosis of neurasthenia is less commonly used as it overlaps with several other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and certain anxiety disorders. However, historically, neurasthenia represented an important concept in understanding and addressing the impacts of stress on mental and physical health.
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Nervous exhaustion, Beard's disease, a functional neurosis marked by intense nervous irritability and weakness; the chief symptoms are insomnia, headache, or feelings of constriction about the head, pain in the back, exhaustion after slight mental or physical exertion, excessive sensibility to noises, irregular heart action, vertigo, dyspepsia, disorders of vision, and loss of memory.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEURASTHENIA
Etymology of NEURASTHENIA
The word "neurasthenia" is derived from two Greek roots:
1. "Neuron": Meaning "nerve" in Greek. It refers to the basic unit of the nervous system.
2. "Astheneia": Meaning "weakness" or "lack of strength" in Greek.
The term was coined by the American neurologist George Miller Beard in the late 19th century. Beard used this term to describe a complex condition characterized by various symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and nervousness. Neurasthenia was believed to be caused by a depletion of the nervous system's energy reserves, which was thought to be a result of the rapid pace of modern life.
Similar spelling words for NEURASTHENIA
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