What does the term asthenia mean?
The term asthenia refers to a general condition lack of strength and weaknessboth with respect to physical and mental energy.
It is a condition characterized by a feeling of persistent fatigue (despite the rest), lack of energy and difficulty in carrying out normal daily activities.
Often accompanied by difficulty maintaining concentration and attention and sleep disorders.
This term is not used to indicate a disease itself, but rather a symptom that can be associated with different conditions, both physical and psychological. Symptom that deeply affects the quality of life.
In which symptomatological or pathological paintings can asthenia be found?
When asthenia persists over time or is very intense, it is advisable consult a doctor To identify any organic causes and consequently establish adequate treatment.
Asthenia is a typical symptom of persistence of persistent stress and chronic fatigue, but also of infectious pathologies (influence, Covid-19), anemia, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, kidney failure). It can be a side effect of some types of drugs.
Asthenia is a symptom that can also be found in different psychological conditions
Asthenia can manifest itself in different psychological conditions, often influencing mental health and overall well -being.
Some of the main associated psychological situations are:
Depression
Asthenia is a common symptom of depression. Those who suffer from it can feel constantly tired, even without having carried out significant physical activity.
This chronic tiredness is often accompanied by lack of motivation, sense of emptiness and persistent sadness.
Anxiety and chronic stress
Chronic anxiety can exhaust the body’s energy resources. Constant State of alert and concern In fact, it overloads the nervous system and involves a remarkable expenditure of energy, leading to a feeling of physical and mental exhaustion.
Long -term stress continuously activates the “Fight or Escape” response system by consuming physical and mental energies, thus bringing to asthenia.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
People with post traumatic stress can experience asthenia due tohigh emotional tension And the difficulty in sleeping. The management of traumatic memories consumes a lot of mental energy.
Burnout
The burnout, or emotional exhaustion linked to working or personal stressis often accompanied by asthenia. A profound tiredness is perceived that prevents you from facing even the simplest daily activities.
Seasonal affective disorder (Sad)
This disorder, linked to seasonal changes, can cause asthenia, especially in the winter months, when sunlight is reduced. It often manifests itself together with symptoms of depression.
Sleep disturbances
Conditions such as insomnia, night apnea or disturbed sleep cause asthenia, since the lack of regenerating rest negatively affects physical and mental energies.
Emotional trauma or loss
Events such as the loss of a loved one or significant emotional trauma can cause an energy collapse, manifesting themselves as asthenia.
In all these cases, Astenia treatment requires not only attention to physical symptoms, but also an intervention aimed at psychological well -being. This may include psychotherapeutic support, stress management techniques and, if necessary, specific drugs.
How can you understand if asthenia has physical or psychological causes?
Distinguish whether asthenia is caused by physical or psychological factors requires an in -depth analysis that considers both the symptoms and the personal and medical context of the person.
To make this evaluation it is therefore necessary deepen the story of both the symptom (e.g. when it started, if suddenly or gradually, if it is linked to particular situations such as stress, emotional trauma or recent diseases). It is also necessary to evaluate whether it is accompanied by other physical symptoms (such as fever, symptoms of infection, breathing difficulties etc.).
When asthenia is linked to emotional or stressful factorscan present itself without apparent causes on a physical level and can be accompanied by lack of motivation or interest in activities, depressed or anxious mood, sleep disorders (difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much), negative or obsessive thoughts.
These psychological conditions must be brought to the attention and evaluation of a psychologist or psychiatrist who can direct attention to psychological or psychosomatic disorders and problems in the person’s life history such as trauma, mourning, working or relational difficulties that may also originate in the past of the person.
A multidisciplinary approach may be necessary, since physical and psychological causes can coexist.
Some chronic diseases can bring symptoms both physical and psychological manifestations. An example is fibromyalgia, in which asthenia is one of the most common symptoms, and which can bring psychological conditions of both anxiety and depression over time.
Asthenia and Fibromyalgia: a close link
Fibromyalgia is configured as a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, sensitivity to the touch and a series of other symptoms that influence the quality of life.
In fibromyalgia asthenia manifests itself as profound and persistent tiredness: patients report a sensation of constant physical and mental exhaustion, disproportionate to the level of activity carried out, even after a night of sleep or despite resting.
The person feels without forces and even simple tasks can be experienced as insurmountable.
Causes of Astenia in fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia mainly affects the central nervous system, amplifying the perception of pain and making patients more sensitive to stimuli. The most common symptoms include:
- widespread musculoskeletal pain
- Chronic physical and mental tiredness
- sleep disorders, with the feeling of never feeling rested
- Anxiety, depression and difficulty managing stress
Despite the progress in research, The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not yet completely understood. It is assumed that genetic, neurological, endocrine and psychological factors are involved.
Asthenia is a key component of fibromyalgia and contributes significantly to the disability associated with the disease. Its origin is not completely clear, but is believed to be linked to dysfunction of the central nervous system.
Anxiety, depression and emotional stress, common in fibromyalgia, can worsen tiredness. Although it is mainly known as a physical condition, its psychological impact is significant and deserves attention.
Astenia management in fibromyalgia
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but some approaches can help reduce asthenia.
Fibromyalgia is not just a physical condition. Often, those who suffer from it face important psychological challenges which, in addition to anxiety and depression, also concern self -esteem, the feeling of isolation and not understanding from others, chronic stress and cognitive disorders against the concentration capacity And memory.
Psychological interventions can significantly improve the quality of life
Fibromyalgia, for example, teaches us how deep the link between mind and body is.
Supporting those who suffer from it means not only to relieve physical pain, but also to offer tools to reconnect with themselves and with the world.
The psychotherapeutic approach to fibromyalgia is essential to help patients manage a condition that combines physical symptoms and a strong emotional impact.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most studied approaches in the management of ASTENIA, even if it is manifested in a framework of fibromyalgia.
The cognitive behavioral approach
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients to:
- Understand one’s condition and its dynamics
- Recognize and modify dysfunctional thoughts related to pain and disease (which can further contribute to ASTENIA).
- Developing strategies to face negative emotions and stress (improve body awareness and emotions, plan activities to avoid overload, learn relaxation and meditation techniques to regulate the activity of the nervous system etc.).
- Reduce the self-perception of disability and improve the daily management of symptoms.
- Develop healthy life habits.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for asthenia is based on a structured and practical approach, aimed at identifying and changing thoughts, emotions and behaviors that can contribute to persistent fatigue.
This type of therapy is particularly effective when asthenia is linked to psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression or chronic stress.
Conclusions
Asthenia is a complex symptom that can have a significant impact on daily life, especially when it is associated with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy offers a concrete and personalized path to face this problem, helping break the vicious circle Between tiredness, stress and inactivity.
Bibliography
- Bettoncelli G. The problem of the patient Asttenic: from the mitochondrio to the clinic. Italian Society of General Medicine, 4, 2011
- Conversano C., Marchi l. Living with fibromyalgia. Psychological strategies to face chronic pain. Eclipsi ed. 2017
- Kuut Ta, Muller F., Csorba I., et al. EffectoCy of Cognitive Behavoral Therapy Targeting Severe Fatigue Following Coronavirus Desease 2019: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin infect dis 2023; 77 (5): 687-695
