Neurasthenia has been a frequent diagnosis in Europe, particularly in some Eastern European countries. This article reviews European contributions to neurasthenia over the past 20 years. The review shows that there are considerable cross-national differences in the way neurasthenia is conceptualized, understood etiologically, and treated. These differences can to a certain extent be attributed to different social and political forces that operate in different settings. The implications of such a diversity of views are discussed, with respect to diagnosis, nosology and cross-cultural utility of the concept of neurasthenia.
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