Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-22
Neurasthenin.

When an unfortunate woman IN a
forsign land comes down with what she
decides IS nervous prostration. the phy-
stefan she calls in will likely regard her
with good deal OF amused contempt.
He IL as apt not TO call It a plain case
OF the american disease" and go
about its treatment awkwardly enough.
Plainly, he does not believe In nervous
prostration, while his American fellow
professional gives 1t the name OF neu-
rasthena, defines 1t "a nerve-exhaus-
ton, and admits It Is peculiar to the ma
lives OF our States.
"Neurasthenia," said well-known
nerve specialist, "is hardly a distinct
disease: doctors are inclined to regard
IL is a condition OF the body that comes
about gradually, and IS caused mainly
by the cruel exigencies OF our Ameri-
can civilization. We are even coming
10 believe it an hereditary weakness,
and women are particularly prone to It's
influences, through their more delicate
nervous organizations. their rather I'M
controlled imaginations.
The New England and Middle States
he continued "show a preponderance OF
cases. 1t has also been found that
American women, between the ages OF
| IS and 30. and between 40 and 90, are
|
| fore IS and after 80 one rarely finds
| a genuine example Of what the foreign
| man Of medicine is apt to think mere
| American vagary."
| The workings I'm case OF nervous pros
: tration are many. What are they? Well
| i'm what we call neurasthenia, where
hypochondria plays no part, the first
noticeable symptom seems always to DO
a gradual decrease OF general vigor, fol-
| lowed by an unpleasant. moody larguor'
with an inclination TO excessive anxiety,
and fretful worry, over even the MI
nutest triles. Where the mental de-
preeslon is marked. and stupid. morbid
fears trouble the brain. the average
| woman makes no effort TO dissipate her
melancholy by increasing her diversions.
| The not over-strong. highly-strung so
ciety girl merely redoubles her fashion
! able duties to get rid Of her blues, and
the brain-worker finds her quickest relief
! IN redoubled exertions over her duties.
| At first the added exertion has a most
stimulating effect, but this is merely
| burning the candle I'm three places, In
stead OF two. and presently the spirits
alternate between most delightful periods
of exhiaration and painful shocks OF
historical tears. There are lengthen-
ing attacks OF sulky gloom, when ones
faults are magnihed into crimes, and
the temper grows imperious and sensi-
tive.
Those trying phases are In the be-
ginning attributed TO the Ingram per-
versity Of the feminine nature. An over
taxed housekeeper scarcely stops 10 con-
slider a little loss in appetite and flesh.
troublesome attacks Of dyspepsia, the re-
currence Of slight neuralgia headache,
and a desire, when no special demands
are made on her time, 10 sit yawning
over the fire. warming her cold hands
and feet. Added to these Indications
insomnia follows, with fearful. bad
dreams. disturbing the brief snatches OF
sleep.
1t Is not, however. until a sharp
attack OF vertigo or a shocking sort OF
mental incompetence alarms the patient
that the physician is consulted, and the
collapse comes.
Where II Is possible. the cure in
sanitarium Is advocated, for there is
genuine case Of neurasthenia, where II
will require a month or six weeks TO
soothe and pertially restore the distract
ed and depleted nerve-force. In such
cases the rest-cure acts like magic; the
patient iS treated as tnOuBH hhe were
recovering from an acute and exhausting
ailment. But the sanitarum is costly
luxury, and where the nervous disorder
has not arrived at a crisis the rest-cu-e
at home can be used with great benefit.
There room should be given the pa
tent, which she has never occupied be-
fore: one that Is sunny and quiet. and
where she may be put comfortably to
bed. The attendant should be trained
nurse. who understands adjusting light
and ventilation. giving slight treatments
Of massage and electricity. rubbing the
body with brine and alcohol, administer
ing the food properly, and warding or
| intruders.
4 few weeks In such seolusion has
good effect, but the proper treatment
OF nervous prostration is the timely in
Prevention that prevents crisis. Per-
sons living in this vicinity, and chiefly
indoors, should retreat at once to
warm. relaxing region, where salt-baths,
n fruit-dlet. and great care Will work
PROMPT and pleasant cure.