Neurasthenia
Hospitals, Special
Neurology
Death of neurasthenia and its psychological reincarnation: a study of neurasthenia at the National Hospital for the Relief and Cure of the Paralysed and Epileptic, Queen Square, London, 1870-1932. (1/15)
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of neurasthenia appeared in 1869 and rapidly became fashionable and highly prevalent. It disappeared almost completely, producing ongoing debates about what happened to the disease, which have not so far been informed by empirical data. AIMS: To use empirical historical hospital data from one specific hospital to explore several controversies about neurasthenia, including what happened to the disorder. METHOD: The annual reports of Queen Square Hospital were examined from 1870 to 1947. The prevalence of neurasthenia diagnoses as a proportion of total discharges was recorded. The possible diagnostic categories into which neurasthenia could have been reclassified were identified. Textbooks and writing by neurologists working at the hospital during this period were examined. RESULTS: Neurasthenia accounted for 6-11% of total discharges from the late 1890s to 1930, when it virtually disappeared. Men accounted for 33-50% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Neurasthenia affected both the upper and working classes and both men and women. Neurologists, not psychiatrists, continued to see the disorder well into the 20th century. Neurasthenia did not disappear, but was reclassified into psychological diagnoses. (+info)Neurasthenia: prevalence, disability and health care characteristics in the Australian community. (2/15)
BACKGROUND: Neurasthenia imposes a high burden on primary medical health care systems in all societies. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of ICD-10 neurasthenia and associated comorbidity, disability and health care utilisation. METHOD: Utilisation of a national sample of Australian households previously surveyed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and other measures. RESULTS: Prolonged and excessive fatigue was reported by 1465 people (13.29% of the sample). Of these, one in nine people meet current ICD-10 criteria for neurasthenia. Comorbidity was associated with affective, anxiety and physical disorders. People with neurasthenia alone (<0.5% of the population) were less disabled and used less services than those with comorbid disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is frequent in the Australian community and is common in people attending general practice. Neurasthenia is disabling and demanding of services largely because of its comorbidity with other mental and physical disorders. Until a remedy for persistent fatigue is provided, doctors should take an active psychological approach to treatment. (+info)Outcome in severe irritable bowel syndrome with and without accompanying depressive, panic and neurasthenic disorders. (3/15)
BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome often leads to impaired functioning. AIMS: To assess the contribution of psychiatric disorders to impaired outcome in severe irritable bowel syndrome. METHOD: Patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome entering a psychological treatment trial (n=257) were interviewed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Outcomes were number of days of restricted activity, role limitation (physical) score of the Short Form Health Survey and costs. RESULTS: At baseline, depressive disorder (29% of patients), panic (12%) and neurasthenia (35%) were associated with impairment; number of psychiatric disorders was associated in a dose-response fashion (P=0.005). At follow-up, depressive disorder and neurasthenia were associated with role limitation score. Improved depression was associated with improved role functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive, panic and neurasthenic disorders contribute to poor outcomes in severe irritable bowel syndrome, and appropriate treatment should be available to these patients. (+info)Cognitive-behavioural therapy v. mirtazapine for chronic fatigue and neurasthenia: randomised placebo-controlled trial. (4/15)
(+info)The relationship between fatigue and psychiatric disorders: evidence for the concept of neurasthenia. (5/15)
(+info)Differential symptom expression and somatization in Thai versus U.S. children. (6/15)
(+info)A single social defeat reduces aggression in a highly aggressive strain of Drosophila. (7/15)
(+info)The piano plague: the nineteenth-century medical critique of female musical education. (8/15)
The role of music in nineteenth-century female education has been seen primarily in the context of the middle class cult of domesticity, and the relationship of music to medicine in the period has generally been viewed in terms of music therapy. Nevertheless, for much of the century there was serious medical discussion about the dangers of excessive music in girls' education. Many of the leading psychiatrists and gynaecologists of the nineteenth century argued that music could over-stimulate the nervous system, playing havoc with vulnerable female nerves and reproductive organs, and warned of the consequences of music lessons on the developing bodies of teenage girls. Two rival models of music's effects competed and were combined. One suggested that music led to illness by provoking sensuality, imagination and sexuality; the other argued that it was a source of neurasthenic fatigue because of intellectual strain. (+info)Neurasthenia is an outdated medical term that was once used to describe a condition characterized by physical and mental exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and irritability. The diagnosis was commonly made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was believed to be caused by exhaustion of the nervous system due to modern life's stresses and demands.
However, neurasthenia is not recognized as a distinct medical condition in modern psychiatry or neurology. The symptoms that were once attributed to neurasthenia are now more likely to be diagnosed as depression, anxiety disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, or other conditions.
Special hospitals are medical facilities that provide specialized services and care for specific patient populations or medical conditions. These hospitals are designed to handle complex medical cases that require advanced technology, specialized equipment, and trained healthcare professionals with expertise in certain areas of medicine. Examples of special hospitals include:
1. Psychiatric Hospitals: Also known as mental health hospitals, these facilities focus on providing care for patients with mental illnesses, emotional disorders, or substance abuse issues. They offer various treatments, such as therapy, counseling, and medication management, to help patients manage their conditions.
2. Rehabilitation Hospitals: These hospitals specialize in helping patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries that have left them with temporary or permanent disabilities. They provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with other supportive services, to assist patients in regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.
3. Children's Hospitals: These hospitals are dedicated to providing healthcare services specifically for children and adolescents. They have specialized pediatric departments, equipment, and trained staff to address the unique medical needs of this patient population.
4. Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACHs): LTACHs provide extended care for patients with chronic illnesses or severe injuries who require ongoing medical treatment and monitoring. They often have specialized units for specific conditions, such as ventilator weaning or wound care.
5. Cancer Hospitals: Also known as comprehensive cancer centers, these hospitals focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and research of various types of cancer. They typically have multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and researchers, working together to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.
6. Teaching Hospitals: Although not a specific type of medical condition, teaching hospitals are affiliated with medical schools and serve as training grounds for future doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals. They often have access to the latest research, technology, and treatments and may participate in clinical trials or innovative treatment approaches.
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system. Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in this field, diagnosing and treating conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and various types of headaches and pain disorders. They use a variety of diagnostic tests, including imaging studies like MRI and CT scans, electrophysiological tests like EEG and EMG, and laboratory tests to evaluate nerve function and identify any underlying conditions or abnormalities. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or lifestyle modifications.
"History, 19th Century" is not a medical term or concept. It refers to the historical events, developments, and figures related to the 1800s in various fields, including politics, culture, science, and technology. However, if you are looking for medical advancements during the 19th century, here's a brief overview:
The 19th century was a period of significant progress in medicine, with numerous discoveries and innovations that shaped modern medical practices. Some notable developments include:
1. Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine (1796): Although not strictly within the 19th century, Jenner's discovery laid the foundation for vaccination as a preventive measure against infectious diseases.
2. Germ theory of disease: The work of Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, and others established that many diseases were caused by microorganisms, leading to the development of antiseptic practices and vaccines.
3. Anesthesia: In 1842, Crawford Long first used ether as an anesthetic during surgery, followed by the introduction of chloroform in 1847 by James Simpson.
4. Antisepsis and asepsis: Joseph Lister introduced antiseptic practices in surgery, significantly reducing postoperative infections. Later, the concept of asepsis (sterilization) was developed to prevent contamination during surgical procedures.
5. Microbiology: The development of techniques for culturing and staining bacteria allowed for better understanding and identification of pathogens.
6. Physiology: Claude Bernard's work on the regulation of internal body functions, or homeostasis, contributed significantly to our understanding of human physiology.
7. Neurology: Jean-Martin Charcot made significant contributions to the study of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
8. Psychiatry: Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, a new approach to understanding mental illnesses.
9. Public health: The 19th century saw the establishment of public health organizations and initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, water quality, and vaccination programs.
10. Medical education reforms: The Flexner Report in 1910 led to significant improvements in medical education standards and practices.