What is asthenia: how does asthenic syndrome manifest itself? Asthenia in children and adults: causes, symptoms and treatment Functional asthenic conditions

Asthenia is a psychopathological disorder, the characteristic symptoms of which are fatigue, weakness, sleep disturbances, and hyperesthesia.

The danger of this pathology is that it is the initial stage of the development of mental disorders and more complex psychopathological processes. It is also important that asthenia is considered a very common pathology that occurs in diseases in psychiatric, neurological and general somatic practice.

The disease should be distinguished from a feeling of fatigue caused by jet lag, non-compliance with work and rest schedules, and mental stress. Asthenia differs from fatigue caused by these reasons in that it does not appear after the patient has rested.

What it is?

Asthenia is an insidiously progressive psychopathological disorder.

This pathology means impotence, a painful condition or chronic fatigue, manifested in the exhaustion of the body with increased fatigue and extreme mood instability, impatience, sleep disturbance, restlessness, weakening of self-control, loss of the ability for physical and prolonged mental stress, intolerance to bright light, strong odors and loud sounds.

Causes

Often, severe asthenia occurs after illnesses or against their background, after prolonged stress. Asthenia is considered by experts to be a psychopathological condition and is considered to be the initial stage of the development of serious neurological and mental diseases.

This disorder should be able to be differentiated from ordinary weakness or fatigue after illness. The main distinguishing criterion is the fact that after fatigue and illness, the body independently and gradually returns to normal after proper sleep and nutrition, and good rest. And asthenia without complex therapy can last for months, and in some cases, years.

Common causes of asthenia include:

overstrain of higher nervous activity;
lack of nutrients and essential microelements;
pathological disorder of metabolic processes.

In most cases, all of these factors arise in the life of each individual at different age periods, but they do not always provoke the development of asthenic disorders.

The development of asthenia can be caused by disturbances and injuries in the functioning of the nervous system, and somatic diseases. Moreover, symptoms and signs of asthenia can be observed both at the very height of the disease, and before the disease itself or during the recovery period.

Among the diseases that lead to asthenia, experts distinguish several groups:

neurological disorders;
renal pathologies – chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis;
gastrointestinal diseases - severe dyspeptic disorders, gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, enterocolitis;
infections - food poisoning, ARVI, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis;
diseases of the cardiovascular system - arrhythmias, heart attack, hypertension;
diseases of the bronchopulmonary system - chronic bronchitis, pneumonia;
trauma, postoperative period.

This disorder often develops in individuals who cannot imagine their existence without work and for this reason do not sleep enough and deny themselves rest. This condition can develop in the initial period of a disease of internal organs, for example, with coronary disease, and accompany it, being one of its manifestations (for example, with tuberculosis, peptic ulcer disease and other chronic diseases), or reveal itself as a consequence of an acute disease that has ended ( flu, pneumonia).

Symptoms

Asthenia has characteristic symptoms, which are divided into three main groups:

own manifestations of asthenia; loss of strength
disorders that determine the basis of the disease;
the patient’s psychological reaction to asthenia itself.

Autonomic disorders. The development of asthenia almost always leads to surges in blood pressure, increased heart rate, interruptions in heart function, decreased appetite, headaches and dizziness, and a feeling of heat or, conversely, chills throughout the body. Sexual dysfunction is observed.
Fatigue. With asthenia, fatigue does not go away even after a long rest; it does not allow a person to concentrate on work, leads to absent-mindedness and a complete lack of desire for any activity. Even one’s own control and efforts do not help a person return to the desired mode of life.
Sleep disturbance. With asthenia, a person cannot fall asleep for a long time, wakes up in the middle of the night or wakes up early. Sleep is restless and does not bring the necessary rest.

A person experiencing the influence of asthenic disorders understands that something is not completely right with him and begins to react differently to his condition. Outbursts of rudeness and aggression occur, sudden mood swings are observed, and self-control is often lost. Long-term asthenia leads to the development of depression and neurasthenia.

A characteristic sign of asthenia is considered to be a condition in which the patient feels well in the morning, and around lunchtime, all the symptoms and signs of the disease begin to increase.
By evening, asthenic disorder usually reaches its maximum. With asthenia, there is also increased sensitivity to bright light sources and sharp sounds.

People of all ages are susceptible to asthenic disorders; signs of the disease are often detected in children and adolescents. In modern boys and girls, asthenia is often associated with taking psychogenic and narcotic drugs.

Diagnostics

Asthenia is diagnosed by interviewing the patient to detail his complaints. Particular attention in the survey should be paid to questions about mood, quality of sleep, attitude towards work and other responsibilities, as well as one’s own general condition. Since some exaggerate existing deviations, in order to get an objective picture, the doctor needs to conduct a study of the mnestic sphere, assess his response to stimuli and emotional state.

Treatment of asthenia

When asthenia appears, the main goals of treatment will be to improve the patient’s quality of life, increase his level of activity and productivity, and reduce the manifestation of asthenia and its accompanying symptoms. Therapy depends on the clinical manifestations and etiology of the disease. If asthenia is secondary, the underlying disease must initially be treated. In the case of reactive asthenia, medical tactics should be aimed at correcting the factors that led to the breakdown.

If the causes of asthenia are stress, physical or psycho-emotional fatigue, the doctor may advise normalizing sleep and wakefulness, work and rest. Therapy of primary asthenia involves an integrated approach: psychotherapeutic techniques, physical training, drug therapy.

One of the highest priority methods of treating asthenia is physical activity. It has been proven that dosed physical training therapy in combination with educational programs helps improve the patient’s well-being. Hydrotherapy has also proven its effectiveness: Charcot's shower, swimming, contrast shower. According to the doctor's indications, massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy, and acupuncture may also be prescribed.

Psychotherapeutic approaches are actively used in treatment. For example, symptomatic psychotherapy is aimed at improving the patient’s general health and eliminating feelings of fatigue and anxiety. This approach includes hypnosis, self-hypnosis, auto-training, and suggestion. Effective methods of treating asthenia also include person-oriented psychotherapy.

Drug treatment

Such treatment of asthenia in general medical practice comes down to the prescription of adaptogens: ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, Eleutherococcus, pantocrine. In the USA, the practice of treating asthenia with large doses of B vitamins has been adopted.

However, this method of therapy is limited in its use by a high percentage of adverse allergic reactions. A number of authors believe that complex vitamin therapy is optimal, including not only B vitamins, but also C, PP, as well as microelements involved in their metabolism (zinc, magnesium, calcium). Often, nootropics and neuroprotectors are used in the treatment of asthenia (ginkgo biloba, piracetam, gamma-aminobutyric acid, cinnarizine + piracetam, picamelon, hopantenic acid). However, their effectiveness in asthenia has not been definitively proven due to the lack of large studies in this area.

In many cases, asthenia requires symptomatic psychotropic treatment, which can only be selected by a specialist: a neurologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. So, on an individual basis, for asthenia, antidepressants are prescribed - serotonin and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, neuroleptics (antipsychotics), procholinergic drugs (salbutiamine).

The success of treating asthenia resulting from any disease largely depends on the effectiveness of treatment of the latter. If the underlying disease can be cured, the symptoms of asthenia usually go away or are significantly reduced. With long-term remission of a chronic disease, the manifestations of asthenia accompanying it are also minimized.

Folk remedies

Medicinal plants have tonic and calming properties. And this is exactly what is needed for asthenia. The following recipes are very effective:

Tincture based on medicinal herbs. For preparation you will need valerian roots, hop cones, lemon balm and chamomile inflorescences. Take all components in equal proportions, chop and mix thoroughly. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into a spoonful of the mixture. Then the product will be infused for 20 minutes. After this, the entire volume should be drunk in small sips throughout the day.
Herbal collection for decoction. It is recommended to mix lemon balm, oregano, yarrow and chamomile inflorescences. All components need to be crushed. Then 3 spoons of this mixture need to be poured into 1 liter of boiling water. The medicine should be boiled over low heat for 15-20 minutes. After this, strain. Every time before meals you need to drink half a glass.
Herbal infusion. You will need inflorescences of chamomile, motherwort and valerian roots. To achieve maximum effect, you also need to add hawthorn. Take all components in equal volumes. Then mix them thoroughly and take 4 tablespoons of the herbal mixture. Pour a liter of boiling water over everything. The product is infused in a thermos for at least 6 hours. Then the resulting infusion should be filtered and taken three times a day. The liquid should be warm. The dose is 0.5 cups. You need to drink the medicine before eating.

In addition, homeopathy is used for many nervous disorders.

Prevention

Prevention of asthenia includes:

maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
rejection of bad habits;
proper nutrition;
playing sports;
emotional relief;
maintaining a proper sleep schedule.

Almost everyone at least once in their life has experienced a condition in which everything falls out of their hands, you don’t want to do anything, and general exhaustion of the body sets in. Such manifestations are possible after prolonged physical or mental stress, time zone change, or improper daily routine.

If you experience signs such as constant fatigue, apathy, irritability, then you should visit a doctor, especially if the symptoms progress. This is how an asthenic state can manifest itself. If such a diagnosis is made, special treatment will be required. Most often it is impossible to cope with the problem on your own.

Asthenic condition - what is it?

As a rule, many diseases begin with general malaise, lethargy and apathy. The disease passes and the symptoms disappear. In many patients, excessive fatigue, weakness and irritability are the only complaints, so a detailed examination cannot reveal any diseases.

All this may be a manifestation of the described malaise. An asthenic condition is a syndrome that is characterized by increased fatigue, irritability and nervous excitability, mood swings, severe fatigue even when performing usual work. As a rule, these signs increase, especially in the evening. Night sleep and rest do not bring relief to a person.

Asthenic syndrome is currently the most common form of neurosis. No one is immune from such a disease, especially considering the modern rhythm of life. Asthenic reactions and conditions are most often observed in schoolchildren, students, and mental workers.

Types of asthenic conditions

Asthenia can be classified according to various criteria. If we take into account the factor of its development, the following types are distinguished:

Organic asthenia. This form usually accompanies many somatic diseases or organic pathologies that develop rapidly. These include: brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's.
Functional asthenic states. This reaction occurs in stressful situations, an infectious disease, or severe fatigue. This phenomenon is temporary and passes quickly.

Asthenia also manifests itself in different ways, which is why they distinguish:

Hypersthenic asthenia, which is manifested by increased excitability, intolerance to loud sounds, bright light. This form, gradually worsening, can move into the next stage.
Hyposthenic asthenia. It is characterized by: drowsiness, lethargy, indifference to the outside world, problems with memory and attention.

The duration of the asthenic condition varies for everyone - for some it may be an acute form, which goes away after treatment, and there are cases of transition to the chronic stage. In this case, a person cannot get out of this state for a long time. As a rule, it is impossible to do without the help of a doctor.

An asthenic emotional state is not the same as ordinary fatigue; one must be able to distinguish between them. With asthenia, fatigue is observed without connection with physical labor and it is not possible to get rid of it even after a long rest.

Types of conditions that can manifest as asthenia

Modern medicine identifies several conditions in which asthenic manifestations will occur:

Exhaustion. This refers to the mental reaction to exhaustion of the nervous system. This can happen as a result of prolonged stress, emotional and physical overload, and chronic lack of sleep.
Astheno-depressive syndrome. An asthenic state may be the first step towards the formation of “exhaustion depression” (or “neurotic depression”). This happens when exposed to traumatic factors against the background of nervous overstrain. One of the manifestations of this condition is a disturbance in the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.
Somatogenic asthenia. Such manifestations usually begin and end many infectious, cardiovascular, oncological, and endocrine diseases.
Organic asthenic conditions. Suprasegmental autonomic disorders lead to this. They manifest themselves especially clearly in cases of brain damage and cerebrovascular accidents. Frequent companions of this condition: headache, problems with memory and attention, inability to concentrate on anything, dizziness.
Endogenous vital asthenia. This is most often a youthful asthenic condition, which is more typical for boys. It manifests itself as severe fatigue during any type of intellectual activity, headaches, and sleep disturbances. The peak of exacerbation usually occurs at 14-15 years.
Asthenia when using psychoactive drugs. Characteristic of people who are psychologically dependent on drugs. In this case, not only fatigue is observed, but also exhaustion, pain throughout the body, and the inability to sleep with an unbearable desire to sleep. The person becomes emotionally unbalanced and embittered.

Thus, an asthenic state is a signal to establish the cause of its occurrence. First of all, it is necessary to exclude somatic and endocrine diseases, as well as organic brain lesions. Whatever the cause of this condition, treatment will still be required.

Causes of asthenic conditions

Many factors can provoke neuroses and asthenic conditions, especially if there is such a mental predisposition. You can name factors that can contribute to the development of asthenia:

Poor hygienic working conditions.
Prolonged stay in conditions of physical, mental or mental stress.
Failure to comply with sleep and rest schedules, frequent lack of sleep.
A radical change in lifestyle, for example, retirement, divorce, etc.
Excess weight.
Addiction to alcohol.
Drinking large quantities of strong coffee and chocolate.
Maintaining strict dietary restrictions.
Lack of fluid in the body.
Impact on the body of toxic and poisonous substances.
Use of medications.

Any of the listed factors can trigger the development of asthenia, and if there are several of them together, the risk increases.

Drugs that most often cause asthenic disorders

Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, we are forced to take medications that affect the nervous and endocrine systems. Taking them can lead to asthenic and anxiety-neurotic conditions. A big risk in this regard is taking medications from such groups as:

β-blockers;
sleeping pills;
antihypertensive drugs;
sedatives;
tranquilizers;
antiallergic medications;
glucocorticosteroids;
hormonal contraceptives.

Since asthenia often develops against the background of other diseases, it is very important to correctly determine the cause of such manifestations. This is especially necessary when a person finds himself in a difficult life situation. It is very important to get advice from a competent specialist in the following cases:

The onset of menopause in women.
Pregnancy.
Long-term loss of appetite.
Sharp weight loss.
Severe mood swings.
The appearance of asthenic signs after injury.
If asthenia does not go away for a long time.

If a person is given appropriate help in a timely manner, he will get back into his usual healthy groove much faster.

Manifestations of asthenia

It is necessary to understand that this is a whole complex of signs, so it is not surprising that it has quite a variety:

Increased fatigue and general weakness.
Constant dissatisfaction with others.
Irritability.
The appearance of sexual disorders.
Inability to concentrate.
Tearfulness.
Sleep disturbance.
Intolerance to loud sounds and bright lights.
Frequent headaches.
Loss of appetite.
Constant feeling of anxiety.
Increased sweating.
Trembling in the body and feeling of lack of air.

In order to make a correct and accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to understand that this asthenic condition in adults does not go away after a long rest and can be associated with certain psychophysical stress. Everyone, in principle, can independently diagnose such a syndrome, but making an accurate diagnosis is the prerogative of a doctor.

Asthenia in children

If in adults an asthenic emotional state is most often a problem due to difficulties at home and at work, mental and physical stress, then in children the disease develops differently. Doctors distinguish two options for the development of asthenic conditions in children.

In the first case, children with asthenic conditions are very excited. This is usually observed if parents put a lot of stress on the child. After school, he immediately goes to classes or clubs; in the evening, you can observe overexcitement, which does not allow the child to fall asleep. There is overstimulation of the nervous system, and the help of a specialist is needed. If you reduce the load, adjust the daily routine and resort to medications to support the nervous system, then this condition goes away quite quickly.
In the second scenario, everything happens the other way around. The child becomes lethargic, apathetic, does not learn school material well, and wants to sleep during the day. You also need to adjust the load and take a course of medications that will support the nervous system.

Asthenic conditions in children are often caused by brain damage. Unfortunately, quite a lot of such children are being born today. Everything happens as in the first case. Parents and grandparents expect too much from their child and try to send him to various sections. In addition, they also require good academic performance.

There comes a moment when the child simply ceases to know what he has already done and what he has not. You should not demand high achievements from your children; each child is individual and learns the material at his own pace. If you begin to notice that your baby has begun to bite his nails, blinks frequently, or has tics, then this is a serious cause for concern.

Children also experience very strongly various conflict situations in the family: divorce of parents, quarrels. They often don’t show it, but inside there is constant nervous tension. In such situations, the help of a specialist is important to bring the child out of an asthenic state.

Diagnosis of asthenia

Most often, a competent specialist always accurately diagnoses “asthenic condition”. Symptoms appear clearly against a background of overexertion, stress and general fatigue. But in the case when the signs of asthenia are slightly hidden behind the symptoms of the underlying disease, problems may arise with making a diagnosis. Only a detailed conversation with the patient can clarify the situation.

Specialists are armed with a scale of asthenic state, which was created by L. D. Malkova. It has already been adapted on the basis of clinical and psychological observations. The scale contains 30 statements that characterize this state.

For the accuracy of the results, everyone must be responsible for themselves; it is not allowed for someone to do this for you. After all answers, the scores are summed up; the entire scale can be divided into 4 ranges:

1st - from 30 to 50 points - no asthenia.
2nd - starts with 51 and ends with 75 points - a weak manifestation of asthenic conditions.
3rd - from 76 to 100 points - moderately severe asthenia.
4th - more than 101 points - severe condition.

Thus, the asthenic state scale (ASS) provides true results that facilitate diagnosis.

Therapy of asthenic syndrome

The treatment of asthenia must be approached comprehensively. Using only one method, it is impossible to achieve a positive result. If there is a diagnosis of “asthenic condition”, treatment should include:

Adjustment of work and rest schedules.
Preparing a proper diet.
Elimination of bad habits.
Introduction of dosed physical activity.
Treatment with medications.
Use of physical therapy.
Creating and maintaining a normal psychological climate in the family.

Since the nervous system is exhausted in patients, tranquilizers and sleeping pills are prescribed first of all to normalize sleep and relieve stress. For these purposes, it is best to use herbal preparations that have such effects. For example, taking such remedies gives good results.

Medicine "Valerian P". It has a positive effect on the functioning of the autonomic and central nervous systems.
Motherwort P product. Normalizes blood pressure, calms and normalizes sleep.
Complex "Nervo-Vit". Relieves irritability, tearfulness, increases the body's protective functions.
The Leveton P complex is made on the basis of Leuzea and helps eliminate daytime drowsiness and reduces fatigue from mental and physical work.

For a speedy recovery, it is also important to take restorative complexes of vitamins and minerals. The doctor will advise which one is better to choose, taking into account the patient’s condition.

Only a whole range of drugs, taken on the recommendation of a doctor, can alleviate a person’s condition and normalize the functioning of his nervous system.

During treatment, you need to pay attention to your diet, include more foods rich in proteins, for example, meat, legumes. It is useful to eat cheese, bananas, turkey meat (these products contain tryptophan), consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, you can replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body.

Therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, walks in the fresh air will become indispensable aids in the treatment of asthenic conditions.

Folk recipes for asthenic conditions

Traditional medicine can be called upon to help in the fight against asthenia; in its bins there are recipes to reduce the symptoms of the disease. You can use the following; they have already been tested in practice by more than one patient.

Prepare a mixture of equal quantities of hawthorn, chamomile and St. John's wort flowers. Take 1 tsp. mixture and pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Strain and drink in small sips before going to bed. The course must be continued for 2 months. This remedy increases vitality and returns interest in life.
To invigorate a person, you need to mix an equal amount of lavender, linden, hop cones and St. John's wort flowers. Then 1 tsp. pour boiling water over it and you can drink it like regular tea (2-3 times a day).
If you really have no strength at all, then this remedy will help. You need to take 1 tsp. hawthorn flowers, calendula, burdock, rosemary leaves and mix with a small amount of ground coffee. Pour 0.5 liters of hot water and leave for a couple of hours. You need to drink in the morning after meals and in the evening.

These simple recipes will help you cope with asthenia.

Features of the treatment of asthenia in children

A child's body is much more susceptible to various external influences, so therapy should be prescribed only by a doctor. The following can be advised to parents.

Bring your child’s study and rest routine back to normal. It is necessary to adjust the activities in clubs and sections, maybe it is worth giving up something at least for a while.
Do not purchase any medications without the advice of a doctor. In this situation, even completely harmless means can only aggravate the condition.
After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes medications not only taking into account the symptoms, but also the age of the child.
The main task of parents is to follow all recommendations.

If all wishes are fulfilled, then, as a rule, the treatment is successful, and the baby’s nervous system returns to normal.

After visiting a doctor, you were diagnosed with an “asthenic condition”? That this is quite serious should become clear after talking with the doctor, so it is necessary to take treatment with all seriousness and responsibility. It is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:

Include feasible physical activity in your life - running in the evenings, swimming, cycling.
Optimize your work and rest schedule.
Avoid contact with hazardous chemicals whenever possible. If this is related to the type of your activity, then you will have to change it.
Include protein-rich foods in your diet.
Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
Pay attention to eggs and liver - these foods improve memory.
In winter, you should think about taking vitamin complexes.
Maintain a normal microclimate in the family and in the work team.

If you add all this to drug treatment, you will get rid of the asthenic condition much faster.

Prevention of asthenic syndrome

Many people wonder whether it is possible to prevent the development of asthenia? This begs the question: is it necessary? After all, an asthenic state is a kind of protective reaction of the body that protects the nervous system from destruction. If the number and strength of external stimuli reaches a critical level, then protective reflexes of “exorbitant inhibition” are activated, which manifest themselves in asthenic states.

To prevent overstrain of your nervous system, it is recommended:

Get enough sleep regularly. If there are problems with sleep, then they need to be addressed immediately.
Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Do not take on overwhelming physical and mental work.
Alternate any stress with rest.
Maintain normal relationships in the family and in the team.

Even if it was not possible to avoid overexertion, and asthenic syndrome overtook you, then a timely visit to the doctor will quickly return everything to its place. The initial stages of the disease are very treatable. You should not self-medicate or hope that gradually everything will go away on its own.

Asthenic syndrome belongs to the group of psychopathological disorders and is characterized by gradual development. Mental illness develops against the background of many chronic diseases. Asthenic disorder is characterized by frequent headaches and dizziness, decreased performance, increased irritability, and drowsiness.

What is asthenic syndrome?

An asthenic state is a psychopathological disorder in which the patient complains of fatigue, weakness, irritability and other disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. This condition is considered one of the most common, as it develops against the background of many pathologies of internal organs and systems, and develops in both adults and women.

Symptoms caused by asthenic syndrome are permanent. Increased fatigue, which is the main symptom of this psychopathological disorder, does not disappear after long rest, and therefore requires therapeutic intervention.

This syndrome differs from ordinary fatigue, which is short-term in nature and occurs against the background of physical and mental overload, poor nutrition and other reasons.

Asthenia is diagnosed when its symptoms bother the patient for several months or years.

Reasons for the development of asthenia

In approximately 45% of patients with asthenia, the causes of its development are due to organic damage to internal organs and systems. The risk group includes people with diseases of the cardiovascular system:

hypertension of various etiologies;
coronary heart disease;
myocardial infarction;
carditis;
arrhythmia.

Asthenic disorder can also be provoked by: deficiency of nutrients supplied to the central nervous system, excessive energy expenditure, and metabolic disorders.

Asthenic manifestations are diagnosed against the background of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract:

dyspeptic disorders;
pancreaduodenitis;
peptic ulcer;
gastroenterocolitis.

The appearance of asthenia is promoted by diseases of the genitourinary system: cystitis, chronic kidney pathologies, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis.

Possible causes of asthenia include disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system caused by hypo- and hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and diseases of the adrenal glands.

Asthenic depression often develops after childbirth or due to hormonal changes in the body.

Organic causes also include:

systemic pathologies;
allergic reaction;
oncological diseases;
congenital diseases of the kidneys, heart, lungs;
hepatitis of various types;
tuberculosis;
meningitis;
encephalitis;
ARVI;
autoimmune diseases.

In addition, vegetative-vascular asthenia is distinguished, which occurs against the background of VSD.

In addition to organic reasons, asthenia is caused by stopping taking a number of medications (withdrawal syndrome), giving up alcohol or cigarettes, severe stress, prolonged and excessive physical activity.

People with low intelligence, living in distant settlements or with dementia are susceptible to asthenic disorder. In this case, the cause of the psychopathological condition lies in irreversible changes affecting the brain. Vascular diseases (atherosclerosis) also lead to such disorders.

Classification of asthenic syndrome

Depending on the causes of occurrence, functional and somatogenic (somatic) asthenia are distinguished. Both forms of the disorder occur with approximately the same frequency.

Functional asthenia is temporary and reversible. This form of disorder develops due to psycho-emotional or physical overload, stress, and acute infectious diseases.

Somatogenic asthenia occurs due to the prolonged course of chronic diseases.

Depending on the characteristics of asthenic syndrome, its course is divided into:

Spicy. In fact, this is another name for functional asthenia. Develops under the influence of severe stress or an infectious disease.
Chronic. This type of disease is characterized by a long course.

Asthenic disorder is also divided into two types, taking into account both causative factors and features of the clinical picture:

Senile. This type of disorder is mainly diagnosed in older people. Senile asthenia usually develops as a consequence of vascular pathologies that cause brain damage and provoke the onset of dementia.
Neurocirculatory. The cause of asthenia is vegetative-vascular dystonia.

In addition to these types of classifications, asthenia is divided into 2 forms depending on the characteristics of clinical manifestations:

Hypersthenic. Characterized by increased irritability. Patients with this form of disorder cannot tolerate strong odors, strong sounds, or bright light.
Hyposthenic. The development of this form of asthenic syndrome is accompanied by a decrease in the body’s response to external stimuli. As a result, patients experience drowsiness, lethargy, and apathy.

Severe brain pathologies caused by infection or other reasons often cause the development of organic emotionally labile asthenic disorder. This form of the disorder is characterized by sudden mood swings and emotional incontinence.

Organic brain damage provokes the development of a form of disorder called encephalasthenic syndrome. This type of disorder is characterized by the following symptoms:

inability to remember information;
decreased ability to work;
weakening of will;
decreased intelligence;
inability to adapt.

With encephalasthenic syndrome, total dementia is often diagnosed.

To determine how to treat asthenia, it is necessary to establish the cause of its occurrence and it is often possible to identify it by the characteristics of the clinical picture.

Symptoms of asthenia

Symptoms of asthenia are varied. The first signs of asthenia appear during the day. Moreover, symptoms that develop in the late afternoon are more pronounced.

The main symptom of functional asthenia is severe fatigue. Patients quickly get tired when doing any task, and their previous performance is not restored even after a long rest. People with asthenic disorder note:

To solve problems, patients have to constantly take short breaks. As a result, against the background of such disorders, asthenic depression develops, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

decreased self-esteem;
constant anxiety;
anxious state.

As the asthenic syndrome develops, the symptoms are complemented by signs of psycho-emotional disorders. Their appearance is explained by problems that arise due to decreased performance. This causes patients to become irritable and tense. Psycho-emotional disorders are characterized by a sharp change in mood, a predominance of optimistic or pessimistic views. The progression of asthenia causes depressive neurosis.

Associated symptoms

The development of a psychopathological disorder in most patients is accompanied by dysfunction of the autonomic system, which manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

Asthenia is often accompanied by:

prolonged headaches;
decreased libido in men;
sleep disturbance.

Patients with asthenic syndrome are bothered by bad dreams. During the night, patients often wake up. After waking up, patients experience weakness, which increases in the evening.

With asthenia, it is possible to increase body temperature to 38 degrees and enlarge the peripheral (cervical, axillary and other) lymph nodes.

Neurocirculatory disorder

A neurocirculatory disorder that occurs against the background of dysfunction of the autonomic system is characterized by multiple symptoms. Each sign of a pathological disorder is combined into several syndromes:

Cardiac. Diagnosed on average in 90% of patients with this disease. The development of cardiac syndrome is accompanied by pain that is localized in the chest. In this case, the appearance of the symptom is not associated with dysfunction of the heart muscle.
Sympathicotonic. This syndrome is characterized by the presence of tachycardia, surges in blood pressure, pale skin and motor agitation.
Vagotonic. Characterized by a weak heartbeat. With vagotonic syndrome, low blood pressure is observed, which provokes headaches, dizziness, hyperhidrosis, and intestinal upset.
Mental. The syndrome manifests itself in the form of unreasonable attacks of fear and mood swings.
Asthenic. Patients with this syndrome react acutely to changing weather conditions and get tired quickly.
Respiratory. Patients experience difficulty breathing (feeling short of air).

Neurocircular asthenia is characterized by the appearance of several syndromes simultaneously.

Symptoms depending on the causative factor

Neurotic disorders that cause asthenic syndrome manifest themselves in the form of increased muscle tone, which is why patients complain of constant weakness.

With vascular pathologies, the brain experiences an acute need for nutrients. Such disorders provoke decreased muscle tone and slow thinking.

Oncological diseases of the brain and organic damage to its tissues cause:

With organic brain lesions, symptoms are persistent and long-lasting.

Similar clinical phenomena occur after injuries to the central nervous system. In this case, the addition of clinical manifestations of autonomic disorders is possible. Moreover, the symptoms of VSD become more pronounced during the course of respiratory and other diseases.

Asthenic syndrome, which occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infection, manifests itself as a hypersthenic disorder, in which increased irritability and nervousness are noted. If the respiratory disease becomes severe, the disorder takes on a hyposthenic form. With this development, there is a gradual decline in cognitive functions and performance.

Diagnosis of asthenic manifestations

Due to the fact that asthenic syndrome causes multiple symptoms characteristic of various mental disorders, this nervous pathology is difficult to diagnose.

To accurately determine the disease, the patient is tested, during which it is necessary to answer more than 10 questions. The survey results show the presence or absence of symptoms characteristic of asthenia.

Psychopathological disorder must be differentiated from other similar disorders:

hypochondriacal neurosis;
hypersomnia;
depressive neurosis.

In this case, additional research helps to identify the cause. Asthenic syndrome is diagnosed by performing a number of laboratory tests:

If damage to the central nervous system or VSD is suspected, an MRI of the brain is prescribed. Additional examinations are also carried out to identify disturbances in the functioning of other organs.

How to treat asthenia?

Treatment of asthenia is carried out provided that other forms of disorders characterized by similar clinical manifestations are excluded. The treatment regimen is selected taking into account the disease that caused the asthenic disorder.

To cure asthenia, the patient must make significant adjustments to his lifestyle. It is important to avoid stressful situations until complete recovery. For this purpose, patients are often prescribed treatment in a sanatorium.

To get rid of asthenia, medications whose action is aimed at eliminating the disease that caused this disorder help. Treatment with medications, depending on the nature of the pathology, is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, and it is mandatory if therapy for asthenia for VSD is prescribed.

Medicines are prescribed as prescribed by a specialist and for treatment at home.

Drug therapy

Drugs are selected taking into account the cause and nature of the symptoms of the disease. At the initial stage of treatment, medications are used in minimal dosages.

Functional asthenia is treated with nootropics:

Nootropics are used for severe deterioration of cognitive functions. It is recommended to supplement these medications with adaptogens, which include extracts:

ginseng;
Rhodiola rosea;
lemongrass;
Eleutherococcus.

Good results are demonstrated by antiasthenic drugs that have a sedative effect: Novo-Passit, Sedasen.

Asthenic depression, depending on its complexity, is treated with antidepressants or tranquilizers. The first group of drugs includes:

Among the tranquilizers used for asthenia are Phenibut, Atarax, and Clonazepam. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are allowed to be used only after consultation with a doctor.

For organic asthenic disorder and other forms of psychopathological condition, antipsychotics (Teralen, Eglonil) and B vitamins are also prescribed.

Regardless of the form of asthenia, symptoms and treatment, for the patient’s successful recovery it is necessary to apply a set of measures. Tablets do not help if the patient does not make lifestyle adjustments.

Psychotherapeutic treatment

Asthenic disorders are successfully treated through psychotherapeutic therapy. In this case, various techniques are used:

Influencing the general condition of the patient and eliminating individual manifestations of anxiety-asthenic syndrome. To achieve the desired result, methods of self-hypnosis, hypnosis, auto-training and others are used. This treatment of asthenic syndrome in adults reduces anxiety and improves the patient's condition.
Methods influencing the mechanisms of development of the disorder. Asthenic syndrome is treated using cognitive behavioral therapy and neuro-linguistic programming.

If necessary, psychotherapeutic techniques are used to eliminate the factor causing the disorder. This approach allows us to identify the relationship between certain events (for example, conflicts within the family) and the development of asthenia.

Non-drug treatments

For asthenia, treatment should be comprehensive. Already at the initial stage, patients need to:

get rid of bad habits;
normalize rest and work schedules;
avoid conflict situations;
do physical exercise daily.

By following the above rules, you can get rid of a disorder such as asthenic depression.

In addition to the above treatment methods, physiotherapeutic measures are used:

Charcot's shower;
phototherapy;
acupuncture;
massage and others.

Non-drug treatment methods are unable to fully combat organic asthenic disorder. However, this approach helps to reduce the intensity of symptoms characteristic of this type of psychopathological disorder.

Prevention of asthenic phenomena

Understanding the characteristics of asthenia, what kind of disease it is, helps you independently select measures to prevent this mental disorder. To avoid its development, it is necessary to promptly treat any diseases.

Asthenic conditions often occur against the background of physical and mental fatigue, therefore, for prevention purposes, it is recommended to fully rest and sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. If necessary, you can take medications that strengthen the immune system and tone the nervous system.

Asthenic reactions respond well to treatment if you seek help from a doctor in a timely manner. The prolonged development of asthenic syndrome leads to complications in the form of neuroses, schizophrenia and chronic depression.

Asthenic syndrome can be confused with fatigue, which usually appears with increased physical or mental stress. Even according to ICD 10, patients suffering from asthenic disorder are usually diagnosed under code R53, which stands for malaise and fatigue.

The syndrome develops gradually and accompanies a person for many years of his life. You can improve your well-being with asthenia only with the help of complex treatment, including medication; a good addition is the use of traditional medicine. People aged 25 to 40 years are most susceptible to asthenic syndrome.

Causes of asthenia

Despite the fact that asthenia has been a long-studied disease, the causes that provoke it have not yet been fully identified. Scientists have come to the conclusion that asthenic syndrome can appear in a person who has recently suffered:

Meningitis;
Encephalitis;
Brain injuries of varying severity;
Brucellosis;
Tuberculosis;
Pyelonephritis;
Vascular atherosclerosis;
Progressive heart failure;
Some blood diseases (anemia, coagulopathy and others).

The development of the syndrome is also influenced by the emotional state of the patient. Prolonged depression, regular panic attacks, frequent quarrels, scandals and intense physical work can lead not only to the onset of the disease, but also to its accelerated development.

The syndrome is characterized by disruption of the entire nervous system as a whole. Already the first symptoms of the disease warn the patient that any activity should be stopped at the moment.

Causes of functional asthenia

The form of the disease directly affects the possible cause of its occurrence:

Acute functional asthenia occurs due to the influence of various stress factors on a person.
Chronic - appears due to injuries, surgical interventions and all kinds of infections. Diseases of the liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, influenza and ARVI can serve as a kind of impetus.
Psychiatric functional asthenia develops as a result of excessive fatigue, anxiety, and prolonged depression.

This type of asthenia is considered a reversible disease.

Causes of organic asthenia

The syndrome is usually provoked by some disease that occurs in a chronic form, or somatogenic psychoses. To date, several causes of organic syndrome are known:

Intracranial injuries;
Vascular disorders, hemorrhages, ischemia of various organs;
Neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease.

The provocateurs of the disease include:

Regular lack of sleep;
Monotonous sedentary work;
Frequent conflict situations;
Prolonged physical and mental stress.

Risk factors

All risk factors can be divided into several groups: external and internal factors, personal characteristics of a person.

External factors include: frequent stress, overwork, insufficient time for rest and poor living conditions. All this leads to the appearance of the syndrome even in completely healthy people. Psychologists believe that such a lifestyle can lead to disruption of the central nervous system, and, consequently, to a deterioration in health.
Internal factors most often include diseases of internal organs or various infections, especially when a small amount of time is allocated for their therapy and rehabilitation. In this case
the body cannot completely return to a normal lifestyle, which leads to asthenic disorder. In addition to infections and somatic diseases, asthenia can also be caused by bad habits, for example, smoking and regular abuse of alcoholic beverages.
It has been proven that the development of asthenic disorder also occurs due to a person’s personal characteristics. For example, if a patient underestimates himself as a person, is prone to excessive dramatization, or suffers from increased impressionability, most likely, the appearance of asthenia in the future cannot be avoided.

Forms of asthenic disorder

The forms of the syndrome are based on the causes of its occurrence. These include:

Neuro-asthenic syndrome. Neurasthenia occurs due to the fact that the patient’s central nervous system is, for some reason, greatly weakened and cannot cope with the load placed on it. The person is depressed, irritable and aggressive. He doesn't understand where the excessive anger comes from. The patient's condition will stabilize on its own when the attack of asthenia passes.
Severe asthenic syndrome. The syndrome progresses due to organic brain damage. The patient regularly experiences headaches, dizziness, memory impairment and confusion.
Asthenia after influenza/ARVI. Already from the name it becomes clear that this form occurs after a person has suffered a viral infection. This form of asthenia is characterized by increased irritability, nervousness, and the patient’s performance also decreases.
Cerebrasthenic syndrome. It is most often caused by a head injury or a recent infection.
Vegetative syndrome. It mainly occurs after a severe infection. It is common not only among adults, but also among children.
Moderate asthenia. Usually the syndrome appears due to the inability to realize oneself as an individual in society.
Cephalgic asthenia. One of the most common forms of asthenic disorder. Patients complain of regular headaches that do not depend on the person’s mood or what is happening around them.
Asthenic depression. Patients experience sudden mood swings, quickly forget new information, and cannot concentrate their attention on any object for a long time.
Alcoholic asthenia. Accompanies alcohol dependence throughout its development.

Symptoms of asthenic syndrome

Typically, the symptoms of asthenia are not noticeable in the morning; they begin to increase in the evening and reach their peak at night.

Symptoms of the syndrome include:

Fatigue. Almost all patients suffering from asthenia complain of increased fatigue. The patient has no desire to do anything, cannot concentrate, and has problems with long-term memory and attention. Patients also notice that it becomes more difficult for them to formulate their thoughts and make any decisions.
Emotional and psychological disorders. Patients' performance decreases, and unreasonable temper and anxiety appear. Without qualified specialist help, the patient may experience depression or neurasthenia.
Autonomic disorders. This type of disorder includes: surges in blood pressure, bradycardia, loss of appetite, and this leads to unstable stools and discomfort in the intestines.
Acute reaction to environmental stimuli. Subtle lights seem too bright, and muted sounds seem too loud.
Unfounded phobias.
Excessive suspiciousness. Patients begin to notice symptoms of many diseases, the existence of which cannot be confirmed.

Asthenic syndrome in children

If asthenia is inherited by a child, then already in infancy the first manifestations can be noticed: the baby is often overexcited, but at the same time gets tired quickly, especially when they communicate or play with him.
Children under two years of age with asthenia can start crying and screaming at any time for no reason. They are afraid of everything that surrounds them and feel calmer alone.
Between the ages of one and 10 years, children experience apathy, increased irritability, headaches, eye pain, and muscle pain.
In adolescence, a child learns worse than his peers, it is difficult for him to remember and understand new information, he is absent-minded and inattentive.

Diagnostics

Typically, diagnosing asthenia does not cause any difficulties for specialists, since the clinical picture is quite pronounced. Symptoms of the disease can be hidden only if the true cause of the syndrome is not established. The doctor must pay attention to the patient’s emotional state, find out the characteristics of his sleep and attitude to everyday events. During the survey, it is necessary to use special tests. It is also necessary to evaluate a person’s reaction to various stimuli.

Treatment of asthenic syndrome

Therapy for asthenia must be comprehensive. This means that drug effects on the body alone will not be enough. It is necessary to combine taking medications with traditional medicine and psychohygienic procedures.

Treatment with medications

Treatment with medications involves taking medications such as:

Antiasthenic drugs. Typically, experts prescribe Adamantylphenylamine and Enerion.
Antidepressants and procholinergic drugs: Novo-Passit, Doxepin.
Nootropic drugs: Nooclerin, Phenibut.
Some sedatives: “Persen”, “Sedasen”.
Adaptogens of plant origin: “Chinese lemongrass”.

Often, in parallel with the use of medications, physiotherapy is also prescribed: various types of massage, electrosleep, aromatherapy, reflexology.

The main thing is to correctly establish the cause that led to the appearance of asthenia.

Treatment of asthenia using traditional methods

Asthenic syndrome as a diagnosis has been known for a long time. That is why they learned to treat it not only with medications, but also with folk remedies.

To get rid of another attack of asthenia, you can use the dry rubbing technique. Use a coarse pile towel or mitten to rub your body starting from the neck. The arms need to be rubbed from the hand to the shoulder, the body from top to bottom, and the legs – from the feet to the groin area. Rubbing is completed when red spots appear on the body. Usually the procedure takes no more than 1 minute.
To prevent new attacks of asthenia, the patient should regularly take cold showers. For the first procedure, 20-30 seconds will be enough. After your shower, you should put on warm socks and lie down under a blanket.
Grapefruit or carrot juice will help cope with frequent fatigue. You can even mix them: take 2 small vegetables for 1 medium-sized grapefruit. The medicine should be taken 2 tablespoons every 3-4 hours.
To stimulate the nervous system, you can take Schisandra chinensis daily. It has a beneficial effect on the entire body, charging it with energy and health; the infusion also helps cope with depression and improves immunity. You can use it for hysteria, asthenic syndrome, frequent headaches and hypotension.
An infusion of St. John's wort, chamomile and hawthorn will also help in the fight against asthenia. You need to mix one spoon of herbs and pour the mixture with a glass of hot water, leave to infuse for 30-40 minutes. The tincture should be drunk before bedtime.
To increase mental and physical performance, you should use an infusion of dried linden blossom and St. John's wort. You need to mix one tablespoon of herbs and leave for about 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to take the drink in the morning immediately after waking up and in the evening before bed, 50 milliliters. You can also prepare an alcohol tincture from the same herbs, which should be taken 2-3 drops before meals.

Treatment of asthenic syndrome using psychohygienic procedures

You need to expose your body to light cardio and exercise as often as possible;
You should not overexert yourself at work and at home;
It is worth getting rid of all bad habits;
It is recommended to eat more meat, beans, soy and bananas;
We should not forget about vitamins, which are best obtained from fresh vegetables and fruits.

Positive emotions play a huge role in the fight against the syndrome. This means that an unplanned vacation and a sudden change of environment will significantly increase the chances of a speedy recovery.

Treatment of the syndrome in children

To help a child cope with asthenia, you need to establish a unique regime. Parents should:

Exclude from the children's diet drinks that contain a large amount of caffeine, as they lead the still weak nervous system into a state of excitement;
Provide proper, healthy nutrition for the baby;
Don't forget about daily evening walks outside. 1-2 hours will be enough;
Ventilate the children's room about 4-5 times a day;
Reduce the time spent watching cartoons and films, as well as playing games on the computer;
Be sure to provide young children with adequate sleep during the day.

Prevention of asthenic syndrome

The same methods and means that were used to treat it are suitable for the prevention of asthenia. Doctors recommend carefully planning your day and be sure to alternate work with rest. Proper healthy nutrition will not hurt either, as it will help the body replenish the reserves of missing vitamins and microelements. To avoid attacks of asthenic syndrome, you should exercise regularly, walk in the evenings before bed, and constantly recharge yourself with positive emotions.

You should not neglect going to the doctor, since most often asthenia appears due to some chronic disease, which only a specialist can identify.

Forecast

Despite the fact that asthenia is one of the types of nervous disorders, it is still not worth treating it superficially. If you start treatment in the early stages of asthenic syndrome, the prognosis will be extremely favorable. But if you do not take the first bright symptoms of the disease seriously, then very soon the person will be depressed and squeezed. He will develop neurasthenia or depression.

People who suffer from asthenic lesions should be constantly registered with a neurologist and take appropriate medications. Typically, asthenia is manifested by decreased concentration and deterioration of long-term memory.

Asthenic syndrome is not a death sentence. The main thing to remember is that everything depends on a person’s inner mood. A positive mood, an active and healthy lifestyle - all this will certainly help to overcome an unpleasant illness and return a person to a normal life.

Video: about asthenia and nervous fatigue

… asthenia significantly reduces the quality of life of patients, leading to persistent and severe maladjustment.

Introduction. Asthenia, or asthenic syndrome, is one of the most common syndromes in the clinical practice of any doctor, since the proportion of complaints associated with it is up to 60%. Asthenia is observed in all categories of the population and is one of the scourges of our time, since it affects the physical and intellectual abilities of a person, disrupting everyday life and reducing its quality.

Symptoms of asthenia, even if not very threatening at first glance, really worsen the quality of life of patients. Asthenic disorders often lead to a significant decrease in the performance of patients, disrupt their usual life activities, and sometimes act as a background against which other more severe mental and somatic disorders develop. Therefore, it is extremely important to carry out a clear differential diagnosis of asthenia and select appropriate treatment, considering the pathogenetic mechanisms of its development.

Functional asthenia(primary, reactive) is an independent clinical unit (not associated with specific organic diseases) the main manifestation of which is asthenic syndrome, which occurs in initially healthy people under the influence of various factors and is characterized by fundamental reversibility, since it arises as a result of or as a component of time-limited or curable pathological conditions.

For example, asthenia after infectious diseases, somatic diseases (myocardial infarction, diabetes, etc.), severe operations, childbirth (that is, asthenia that occurs during the recovery period after a somatic illness). Also, people with significant physical and mental (intellectual) stress, people whose professions require increased attention, associated with emotional stress, and shift work are susceptible to the development of asthenia. Also, long trips with changes in time zones and dysfunction of the biological clock (biological rhythms) cause the development of asthenia. Functional asthenia may also be associated with mental disorders (depression, anxiety).

Thus, the classification of functional (reactive) asthenia is as follows: (1 ) acute functional asthenia - overload at work, stress, jet lag; ( 2 ) chronic functional asthenia – post-infectious, postpartum, post-operative, weight loss; ( 3 ) psychiatric functional asthenia – depression, anxiety, insomnia.

The phenomenology of functional asthenia is characterized by, first of all, emotional-hyperesthetic weakness, in which increased fatigue (the basic, leading symptom of asthenic syndrome) and affective lability (the main symptom) are combined with intolerance to minor emotional stress and hyperesthesia (an optional symptom reflecting an interest in the sphere of sensations). Hyperesthesia is so pronounced that even low voices, ordinary light, etc. irritate and destabilize the patient. The dominance in the clinical picture of interest in the sphere of sensations, manifested in the form of hyperesthesia, gives the optional symptoms (within the asthenic syndrome) nosological specificity, which allows this disorder to be defined as functional asthenia.

The core point of the phenomenon of functional asthenia is a change in the sphere of motivation, because at the moment of a change in motivation, an energetic component is released, which allows the individual to dramatically change the type of behavior and direction in accordance with the goal. That is, motivation is an expression of readiness to mobilize the necessary energy resources aimed at achieving a set goal.

At the cerebral level, the mechanisms of motivation are primarily associated with the activity of the limbic-reticular complex (the first functional block is the energy one, or the block that regulates the levels of brain activity), which regulates adaptive behavior in response to any type of stress. It is the limbic system that is associated with the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, visceral activity, emotions, motivation, sleep and behavior. And the reticular formation of the brain stem ensures the maintenance of the level of attention, perception, wakefulness and sleep, general muscle activity, autonomic regulation, and takes part in the regulation of motor and sensory functions.

Often, with somatic diseases, physical and mental stress, the first functional (energy) block is overloaded and depleted, that is, decompensation of the limbic-reticular complex. The manifestation of these processes is secondary dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which is a key neurohormonal system involved in the implementation of adaptation to stress factors and preventing the development of atony syndrome (dystonia) of the reticular formation of the brain stem.

It is believed that asthenia is the equivalent of an “emergency brake” that prevents complete loss of performance; otherwise, asthenia apparently generates a signal about overload of the reticular activating system and poor management of the body's energy resources. In this context, asthenia is considered as a universal reaction of the body to any condition that threatens the depletion of energy processes (whether asthenia caused by organic or functional causes), that is, asthenia is an alarm signal informing the individual about the need for a temporary cessation of mental or physical activity.

Treatment. For asthenic conditions of any origin, it is advisable to begin treatment with psychohygienic measures. General recommendations for patients should include: optimization of work and rest schedules (lifestyle changes); introduction of tonic physical activity; stopping contact with possible toxic chemicals, giving up alcohol; optimization of the diet: increasing the proportion of food sources of proteins (meat, soy, legumes); foods rich in carbohydrates, B vitamins (eggs, liver) and tryptophan (whole bread, cheese, bananas, turkey meat); introduction of food products with pronounced vitamin properties (black currants, rose hips, sea buckthorn, chokeberries, citrus fruits, apples, kiwi, strawberries, a variety of vegetable salads, fruit juices and vitamin teas).

Drug therapy for asthenic syndrome includes the use of antiasthenic drugs, such as salbutiamine (Enerion), adamantylphenylamine (Ladasten) and, if necessary, nootropic drugs with antiasthenic and/or psychostimulating effects: deanol aceglumate (demanol, nooclerin), idebenone (neuromet, noben), phenotropil (has a pronounced psychostimulating effect). Vitamin-mineral complexes and adaptogens of plant origin are also prescribed; for sleep disturbances and irritability, sleeping pills or sedatives are prescribed.