Neurosthenia is an outdated term used to describe a medical condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. The word is derived from Greek roots "neuron" meaning nerve and "asthenia" meaning weakness. The correct phonetic transcription for neurosthenia is /njʊˈrɑstɛniə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word follows the traditional English spelling conventions, with the "e" serving to separate the two "o"s and the "a" representing the "ae" diphthong pronunciation.
Neurasthenia is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by chronic and excessive fatigue, together with various other symptoms that are typically related to the nervous system. The term was widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe a type of nervous exhaustion, often associated with mental and emotional stress.
Individuals diagnosed with neurasthenia may experience symptoms such as weakness, irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, and poor concentration. These symptoms are usually disproportionate to the level of physical or mental exertion involved. The exact cause of neurasthenia is not well understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Treatment for neurasthenia often involves a combination of medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions. These may include counseling or psychotherapy to address underlying emotional issues, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and in some cases, the use of medication to manage specific symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
It is important to note that the term neurasthenia is no longer recognized as a distinct disorder in most contemporary medical classifications, as it has been largely replaced by the diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and other related conditions. However, historical references to neurasthenia remain relevant for understanding the evolution of medical knowledge and the impact of psychological stress on physical health.
A condition in which the nerves respond with abnormal force or rapidity to slight stimuli.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "neurasthenia" comes from the Greek roots "neuron", meaning nerve, and "asthēnia", meaning weakness. It was coined by American neurologist George Miller Beard in the late 19th century to describe a condition characterized by fatigue, irritability, and various other somatic symptoms. The term "neurasthenia" gained popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, reflecting the growing interest in nervous disorders during that era.