Neurasthenia refers to a state of depression and chronic fatigue resulting in anxiety, nostalgia and headaches. Is this your case?
What is the definition of “neurasthenia”?
“Neurasthenia can be defined as a permanent state of physical and intellectual fatigue which remains chronic. It’s a mental illness.”, explains Dr Michel Jurus, adult psychiatrist in private practice in Lyon and vice-president of the French federation of psychiatry. It is a lack of momentum and desire with a prevalence of fatigue who does not yield with rest, moral exhaustion, languor and a constant feeling of not living up to what we want. The Greeks called this state melancholy, considering it a temperament or disposition of the mind. Neurasthenia translates the torments of the soul. “We are talking about neurotic depression in psychiatry which finds its origins in childhood or very early childhood: loss of a parent, early maternal separations, maternal depression.” We indeed find these early traumatic elements in the causes of neurasthenia. “This disease can therefore be related to a form of protection against moral pain“continues the psychiatrist.
What are the symptoms ?
Neurasthenia will take on several faces. “Symptoms include physical pain, digestive problems, anxiety attacks. But we find a lot hypochondriacs also in neurasthenic patients.“Others will develop bipolar disorder and ADHD, with addictions cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, in short, anything that can boost patients and give them the feeling of emerging from this state of permanent languor. Young populations are increasingly affected by neurasthenia, they are often disillusioned with the future. “We are also witnessing a increase in suicide attempts among children and adolescents“recognizes Doctor Michel Jurus.
What is the difference with depression?
Neurasthenia consists of forms of mental ruminations that creep in over time. “Depression is linked to painful moments in life, heartbreak, bereavement, it is a momentary state. Neurasthenia could be compared to a kind of river which regularly silters up and which must be re-dug“, underlines the psychiatrist.
“There is no no drug treatments. There is no magic pill“, insists the professional. The antidepressant can alleviate pain but is not sufficient. “It is a means and not an end in itself.” Speech remains fundamental, hence the need to regular consultations with a psychiatrist to talk. “The human relationship aspect is essential in the treatment of neurasthenia.”
Thanks to Dr Michel Jurus, liberal adult psychiatrist in Lyon and vice-president of the French psychiatry federation.