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Chronic Nervous Exhaustion Syndrome

Chronic nervous exhaustion syndrome, also known by the name neurasthenia, is a condition that is marked by extreme levels of fatigue. Depression-guide.com notes that the condition is no longer diagnosed in the US, it is still an acceptable diagnosis in much of Asia.

  1. History

    • The condition was first classified under the term neurasthenia in the 19th century by G.M Beard according to the depression-guide.com. Beard was an American physician that specialized in neurology.

    Causes

    • The precise cause of chronic nervous exhaustion is still unclear as of 2009. Psychnet-uk.com reports the condition has been linked with certain risk factors including chronic stress, male gender and being between the ages of 20 and 55.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of neurasthenia include persistent fatigue after limited mental or physical exertion, muscle pain, irregular heartbeat, sleeping problems and irritability.

    Treatment

    • As the underlying cause remains unknown the treatment options tend to focus on diminishing symptoms. The treatments, according to Psychnet-uk.com, may include prescription antidepressants such as Celexa and counseling.

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    • There is a similarity between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and nervous exhaustion. Depression-guide.com notes that this has led some psychiatrists to equate the two.

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