Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: The term ‘neurasthenia’ is rather confusing, particularly for the Chinese. It has undergone metamorphosis, and is nowadays characterised by unexplained persistent physical symptoms especially chronic fatigue. It is a common presentation to primary care doctors, and these patients are frequent consumers of health care services of various types. There is a high association with psychological distress and other psychiatric disorders have to be ruled out in order to reduce confusion. Treatment is rather non-specific, though antidepressants and/or cognitive-behavioural therapy can be quite effective. The author recommends that the term ‘eurasthenia’ be used as a layman term while communicating with the patient, but to use ‘chronic fatigue syndrome’ as a medical terminology when corresponding with other colleagues.
Author: KY Mak
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2133070173