The many faces of asthenia: a literature review and case series
Abstract
The study and management of asthenic disorders remain significant challenges for clinicians across multiple medical specialties, including neurology and pediatrics. Asthenia is a nonspecific syndrome that may manifest in a range of neuropsychiatric and somatic conditions during childhood. This article provides a comprehensive review of scientific literature addressing asthenic disorders in pediatric populations. Particular attention is given to somatic and neurological symptoms prompting consultation with neurologists and pediatricians, such as abnormal fatigue, irritability, reduced performance, shortened nocturnal sleep, and impaired sleep quality. Effective treatment of asthenic disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates a balanced sleep-wake schedule, dietary modifications, psychotherapy, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy. The article also presents clinical cases of psychogenic, cerebrogenic, and somatic asthenia in children, including an evaluation of the efficacy of citrulline malate (Stimol®).
Clinical case 1: A 15-year-old patient diagnosed with moderate psychogenic asthenia, characterized by increased fatigue, daytime sleepiness, emotional lability, heightened anxiety, and reduced performance.
Clinical case 2: A 9-year-old patient was diagnosed with cerebrogenic asthenia, presenting with attention deficits, impaired attention switching, emotional-volitional disturbances, increased mental fatigability, and emotional lability.
Clinical case 3:…
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