Neurasthenia
Neurasthenia is characterized by complaints of persistent fatigue, bodily weakness, and exhaustion after minimal mental or physical effort. Neurasthenia is broadly related to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Quick Answer
What it is
Neurasthenia is characterized by complaints of persistent fatigue, bodily weakness, and exhaustion after minimal mental or physical effort. Neurasthenia is broadly related to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Key findings
- Grade B: Asthenia Symptoms (Bromantane)
- Grade C: Anxiety Symptoms (Lavender)
- Grade C: Fatigue Symptoms (Reishi)
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Neurasthenia
- Supplements Studied:3
- Research Trials:2
- Total Participants:179
- Top Supplement:Bromantane (B)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
Adaptogen that reduces fatigue and improves stress resilience; studied for burnout and exhaustion
Essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function; deficiency causes fatigue
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Adaptogen that reduces stress and anxiety; may improve energy and vitality
Deficiency common; supports energy production and nervous system function
Essential for cellular energy production; may reduce fatigue
Deficiency is common cause of fatigue especially in women; test before supplementing
Deficiency associated with fatigue and low mood; common in indoor populations
Promotes calm alertness; reduces anxiety without sedation; from green tea
Anti-inflammatory; supports brain function and mood
How It Works
Neurasthenia is an older term for a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, weakness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. While the term is less commonly used in Western medicine today (often classified as chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout, or somatic symptom disorder), it remains a recognized diagnosis in some countries and in the ICD-10 classification.
SYMPTOMS of neurasthenia:
COMMON CAUSES:
MEDICAL EVALUATION should include:
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:
* Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress and reduces fatigue.
* B Vitamins are essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
* Ashwagandha reduces stress and may improve energy levels.
* Magnesium and Iron deficiencies are common causes of fatigue that should be corrected.
Expected timeline: Adaptogens typically show benefit within 2-4 weeks. Correcting nutritional deficiencies may take 4-8 weeks. Full recovery from burnout often requires months of lifestyle changes.
Supplements for Neurasthenia
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (39)
Related Conditions
2 shared supplements · outcomes
Anxiety Disorders (Other)
2 shared supplements · 30 outcomes
Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders characterized by symptoms of excessive anxiety and/or fear. Anxiety itself, unlike fear, is persistent and concerns future events. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias such as fear of flying or agoraphobia, and panic disorder. Note: Examine has separate pages for the anxiety disorders just listed. The Examine Database on this page covers studies in people with other anxiety disorders, unspecified anxiety disorders, or mixed anxiety disorders.
Stress
1 shared supplement · 126 outcomes
Stress (particularly distress) is excessive stimulation of the body's resources that eventually leads to negative symptoms such as fatigue or depression. Several supplements, such as adaptogens, are thought to reduce the development of stress.
Somatization Disorder
1 shared supplement · 6 outcomes
Somatization disorder causes an individual to feel intense anxiety about physical symptoms to the point that they are cannot carry out activities of daily living. Normal health test results and reassurance from a health care provider may not help alleviate the anxiety.
Sleep Health
1 shared supplement · 84 outcomes
Sleep health encompasses a holistic view of sleep that includes sleep regularity, sleep timing, sleep quality, sleep duration, and satisfaction with one’s sleep.
Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)
1 shared supplement · 28 outcomes
Routine menstrual cramps are clinically called primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain not caused by other underlying conditions or diseases. If there is an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, that diagnosis is referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
1 shared supplement · 8 outcomes
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may begin immediately or many years after a traumatic event. Common symptoms include intrusive thoughts and reexperiencing (“flashbacks”); sleep difficulties and nightmares; avoidance; and emotional and physical dysregulation.
Mood Improvement
1 shared supplement · 159 outcomes
Mood improvement refers to a beneficial change in one’s temporary mental or emotional state which can include improvements in feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, relief, positivity, optimism, loneliness, insecurity, happiness, excitement, curiosity, and calmness.