Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-08-17

certain symptoms of neurasthenic
! character and still can be called nor
/ NAL. In the latter inherent peculari-
| ties have to be taken into considera-
/ ton. If the breakdown results from
| mental OverwOrk the brain disturb
arces will be in the foreground. and it
| is this organ which will be likely to
| give the first warning. The functions
| Of other organs are usually. however
disturbed, showing that the whole
nervous system has become deranged
| The latter is in condition of sO-called
irritable weakness; i. e., abnormal
| excitability accompanied by exkaus-
| ton. The person becomes depressed
irritable. and anxious. loses sleep and
has no desire for mental work. He
may even lose his acuteness of mental
perception. and his power of memory
He is worried by things which ordi-
narily he could dismiss from his mind
without further thought, and ac-
quires the habit of thinking OF himself
and his morbid sensations.
This unnatural introspection has in turn
bad erect, as ii tends to increase his
depression and keep the mind constantly
harassed by groundless fears. He IS afraid
that ne is becoming insane or that he is
going TO be hopeless invalid. In fact, the
anxiety of his family often tends To sub
stantate these fears. Fortunately, insan-
ny IS a rare sequel OF even the worst
forms OF mental neurasthenia. unless
there is some hereditary faint Other or
gans usually show functional irregu.ari-
ties. There may be a distressing palpita-
ton Of the heart upon the slightest eX-
ertion. which leads the victim 10 believe
that he Is suffering from severe heart
trouble. The irritability of the nervous
system may also shCw itself in digestive
disturbances. There are loss of appe tite
and distress after eating without any
actual affection of the stomach beinc
present. AT times severe pains are com
planned Of in different parts of the body.
particularly over the spine or there may
he numbness or loss of feeling. There
NAV be many other subjective symptoms
which are real to the sufferer but do not
usually mean IA diseased conCitlon o. the
organs in question. In spite of all hi;
complaints and sufferings he may remain
the picture of health and may be capabl.
of large amount of physical work.
Others, to be sure are physically prostra
ted and have to be kept absolutely at
rest without even the excitement and ia
tisue of a friend s visit
The outcome and possibility or rapidity
OF cure will depend upon many condi
tons. In the first place ii may be said
that death is very rare result OF cases
uncomplicated by organic disease Com
plete recovery often occurs. bat for this
il is necessary that the individual be able
to fulfill the conditions of treatment or
dered by his physician. This may include
temporary retirement from business or a
profession, a trip abroad. or prolonged
stay in sanitarium. A continual On OF
the harmful influences which brought on
the attack. would, of course, be prohibit
tory Of a cure. Above all. the sooner
the nature of the trouble is recognized
and proper measures for relief begun.
the better the chance of complete reco-
very. While others may not get entirely
well. their lives can be made much more
endurabe by a change of residence and
a mode of living more suitable to their
constitutions.
The treatment of neurasthenia will vary
with the Individual and the cause of the
disease I he harmful element must first
be erddicated. The OVerWOrked brain
must have rest. and TINS is accomplished.
not by mental stagnation. but by change
of scene and occupation of the mind by
things of interest outside the individuals
usual work To accomplish this travel
is frequently recommended as 1t gives
physical recreation and keeps the person
mind off himself, and occupies it with
new scenes and interests. For the robust
camping in the woods with congenial
companions offeres a great deal that is
novel and interesting and inSures physi-
cal eXertion. For some individuals who
are constantly worrying over their health
a firm assurance that no serious organic
trouble exists is all that is required.
Those physically Frustrated sometimes re
quirc complete rest and isolation. Other
forms of treatment though vastly infe
rior to these general measures, where ma
ture effects the cure, have to be reSorted
to at times-such supplementary measures
as ma ssaGe. electricity. hydropathy. and
tonicS. all of which improve the nutrition
of the body and invigorate the nervous
system. They are artificial means of
putting the weakened organisms into a fit
condition for benetiting from travel and
physical exercise. which may at the out
set be too eXhauSting.
The prevention of neurasthenia is of
course most desirable and this is possible
if we attack the trouble at its roots:
More rational methods of rearing and
educating children particularly those