Thermoneurosis. Symptoms in adults, treatment, what is it in adolescents, children, causes

Prolonged temperature rise against the background of emotional problems has a definite term in medicine - thermoneurosis. Neurologists are involved in the correction of symptoms and treatment of the disorder in adults and children.

Psychogenic fever is a psychosomatic illness associated with stress. The disorder is especially common in young women. Some patients develop a high core temperature, up to 41 ° C, when they are exposed to emotional stress, while others under its influence exhibit a low temperature level, 37–38 ° C.

The mechanism of psychogenic fever is not fully understood. But clinical cases show that the fever is weakened not by antipyretics, but by psychotropic drugs.

Views

Stress is the body's response to a real or perceived threat. A certain amount of increased excitement is useful for a person and makes him actively act. Severe stress can suppress the immune system and lead to illness, including heart disease and cancer.

The term "psychosomatic disorder" is used to refer to a physical illness that is believed to be caused or aggravated by psychiatric factors. Usually, most diseases are psychosomatic because they have mental and physical components. Studies show that 60 to 80% of doctor visits are stress-related.

Fever is defined as any body temperature that exceeds the normal threshold. The term "temperature" changes with age. In infancy, fever can reach as low as 37.3 ° C. As people age, their heat tolerance increases. Fever is a defense mechanism designed to rid the body of anything that it considers potentially harmful to health.

Thermoneurosis (symptoms in adults, treatment, determined by a psychotherapist) is stress-induced fever, which is characterized by a sudden rise in temperature without for any apparent reason.

Fever cannot be relieved by standard over-the-counter medications, but responds well to sedatives used to treat depression and anxiety.

Psychogenic fever also responds well to therapies designed to reduce the effects of stress and create healthier survival patterns. Fever caused by psychological stress will continue as long as stress is present in the person's life.

Stages and degrees

Doctors distinguish 2 types of thermoneurosis:

• Psychogenic fevercaused by stress. It is characteristic of children, adolescents, people who often suffer from a high level of anxiety.
• Neurogenic fever. Elevated body temperature can be both infectious and non-infectious in neurosurgical patients.

Scientists in their studies have come to the conclusion that depression and anxiety are the direct causes of diseases such as myocardial infarction, eczema, stomach ulcers, hypertension, psoriasis.

Symptoms

The main symptom is a fever that persists for more than 3 days, not exceeding 37.2 - 38.0 ° C, very rarely it can rise to 40 ° C.

The main signs of thermoneurosis:

• anxiety, anxiety;
• asthenia;
• joint and muscle pain without signs of arthritis;
• internal stress;
• mental conflicts with others;
• cool and pale skin;
• frequent inflammatory infections such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, cystitis, herpes.

Sometimes the disorder is accompanied by headaches and vomiting. Most of these symptoms are common in children. If they are repeated periodically, children are registered with a neurologist. In adolescents, the disorder is associated with puberty, hormonal changes, stressful situations, which are frequent at their age.

Reasons for the appearance

Thermoneurosis (symptoms in adults, treatment is largely similar to vascular dystonia) is a fever with neurogenic properties.

The disorder occurs in certain groups of people:

• Menopausal women. At this time, there is a reconfiguration of the hormonal system, which causes a disruption in the work of the autonomic nervous system.
• People doing strength training. An excess amount of lactic acid, which is produced under the influence of physical overload, disrupts the metabolic process in the tissues. If there are problems with autonomic regulation, then increased training can provoke an increase in body temperature.
• Impressionable, emotionally vulnerable children and adults. Involvement in the educational process, classes at school after a long vacation, an unhealthy environment at work is stress, due to which the autonomic nervous system fails.

Diagnostics

Treatment of thermoneurosis should be carried out only after clarifying all other, especially infectious, symptoms and identifying the source of stress. Since this is a very rare occurrence in both adults and children, the diagnosis should be made with more caution.

There is still little evidence that children can develop fever from stress. This is theoretically possible, but it must be preceded by prolonged and intense stress, which the children then transfer to the physical level.

The doctor comes to the final medical conclusion in stages:

1. At the 1st stage, it excludes the infection. Often, patients complain of a sluggish rise in temperature after suffering colds. Possible complications, residual effects, latent infections - all this affects the increase in body temperature. To exclude signs of diseases, laboratory tests are carried out:

• a general clinical blood test, the cost of the study is 250–270 rubles;
• biochemical blood test, cost from 600 rubles;
• diagnostics of helminthiasis, the cost of the study is 90–150 rubles;
• aspirin test (taking the medicine lowers the temperature only if there is a focus of inflammation in the body), the test is also carried out for children over 12 years old;
• fluorography (if necessary, the cost of the procedure is from 90 rubles).

1. At the 2nd stage, the problem of diseases of internal organs is excluded. Excessive production of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism at the initial stage is manifested by an increase in temperature. The same is typical for diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors, including those in the brain. A malfunction of the hypothalamus, which controls the temperature control centers and the autonomic nervous system, also affects the rise in temperature. Many people have a problem in this area from birth, and during times of stress, various disorders can arise here. It is important to find all these reasons in time by visiting an endocrinologist, surgeon, cardiologist.
2. At stage 3, a neurological examination is performed. If the doctor did not find significant violations, then we can talk about thermoneurosis. Patients are encouraged to examine the autonomic nervous system. This can be done with:

• electroencephalograms, cost from 3 thousand. rub.;
• Ultrasound of the brain, the cost of the examination is 2 thous. rub.

Thermoneurosis (symptoms in adults, treatment depends on the correct diagnosis) is confirmed in that if no other causes of the disease have been identified after instrumental and laboratory research.

When to see a doctor

At an elevated temperature that lasts for several days, you should definitely visit a doctor. If it is persistent, accompanied by appropriate symptoms, or if the person has chronic diseases, a weakened immune system, then delaying a visit to the doctor can lead to serious complications and irreversible consequences.

Prophylaxis

Few doctors will tell you how to prevent somatic disorders.

To increase stress resistance, remember:

• When a person manages to cope with a thermoneurosis, it is important to prevent its recurrence.
• Observe the diet, work and rest.
• If possible, attend psychological trainings.
• It is beneficial to take supplements containing magnesium, as its deficiency negatively affects the hypothalamus, which affects the autonomic nervous system.
• You should learn to recognize the state of stress and how it affects the body, mind.
• Practice managing stress regularly through relaxation techniques.

Treatment methods

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be helpful for physical disorders. Sometimes doctors prescribe additional medications, especially if the person is feeling deeply depressed.

Medications

Antidepressants or anxiolytics may help with treatment. They normalize the work of the brain, stop anxiety. The advantages of such drugs include the fact that they are not addictive, but the onset of their action is delayed up to 2-4 weeks. Therefore, patients should be patient with treatment.

And tranquilizers can also be prescribed, but only for 1-2 weeks. They are prescribed for acute crises, to relieve anxiety, improve sleep.

The doctor may prescribe a combination of drugs depending on the patient's age, the intensity of the disease, the duration and responsiveness of the body to treatment.

Group of drugs	Name	What are they assigned for?	Price in rub.
Tricyclic antidepressants	Amitriptyline	The antidepressant effect develops within 2-4 weeks after the start of use. prescribed for the treatment of depression, to relieve headaches.	55
Clomipramine	The antidepressant effect develops in the first week of treatment. The drug has antihistamine, anticholinergic and adrenergic blocking activity. It is prescribed for depressive conditions of various origins.	250
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors	Fluoxetine	Treatment of depressive conditions of varying severity, obsessive states.	55
Citalopram	Depression of varying severity, panic disorder.	200
Tsipramil	A psychotropic drug is used for panic disorders, depression of various etiologies.	1 thousand. 300
Herbal remedies	St. John's wort extract	Sedative with antidepressant action.	60
Doppelhertz nervotonic	A sedative based on St. John's wort. It has a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system.	450
OTC herbal remedies	Novo-passite	The sedative is intended for mild forms of insomnia, a state of constant mental stress.	180
Dormiplant	A preparation based on lemon balm and valerian, promotes a good night's sleep, relieves increased nervous excitability.	450
Adonis Brom	The drug based on adonis, normalizes the heart rate, is intended for the prevention of diseases of the nervous system.	150

The result of therapy depends on the patient's persistence, his ability to complete the treatment. Many drugs give quick relief, and people feel like they are feeling better, but this is a deceptive feeling, it is at this point that a relapse can occur.

Therefore, in addition to medicines, a large role is assigned to the help of a psychotherapist. The task of a psychologist is to make sure that a person no longer addresses him with this problem.

Antidepressants have many side effects, and each person responds to them differently. Side effects can be corrected by changing physical activity and diet. All of the above drugs are prescribed strictly according to the doctor's prescription, he also determines the dosage.

In addition to drugs, patients are prescribed vitamin complexes that have a positive effect on the nervous system. Complexes with motherwort, folic acid, magnesium will help to forget about the growing feeling of anxiety, to establish proper sleep, improve attention, efficiency.

The best vitamin complexes:

• Motherwort Forte with magnesium and vitamin B6.
• Magnesium B6.
• Antistress Doppelherz.
• Anti-stress enhanced formula.
• Magnelis Express Calm.

Traditional methods

Besides prescription medications, there are herbal remedies that can help. Before using, you should make sure that they can be drunk with the prescribed dosage forms, because many herbs are antagonists of psychotropic drugs.

Numerous studies have shown that valerian can help you fall asleep faster and get deep sleep. It acts as a sedative, calming the nervous system and the brain.

How to make valerian tea:

• Take a dry root, 2-3 g, pour hot water, 250 g, let it brew.
• After 10-15 minutes. tea can be taken.
• It should be drunk 3 times / day, 120-200 mg with meals, the last dose should be taken before bedtime. Taking large doses throughout the day can make you sleepy.
• Research shows that valerian is most effective when taken regularly for 2 weeks.

Chamomile tea is known for its relaxing properties. It triggers the release of hormones such as serotonin and melatonin that fight stress. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties hence relieves tension headaches and migraines. Chamomile tea can also help normalize your night's sleep.

Cooking method:

• 1 tbsp. l. pour fresh chamomile flowers with 250 ml of hot water;
• additionally, you can add mint leaves and a chopped green apple;
• infuse tea for 5-6 minutes, and then consume 1-2 times during the day and before bedtime.

Lemon balm perfectly calms the nervous system, relieves anxiety and stress. Mint tea can be combined with valerian, catnip, lavender.

Lemon balm tincture:

• To make a tincture, you will need a 1 liter canning jar, mint, 250 g of vodka and 1 tbsp. water.
• Sterilize the jar, fill it halfway with lemon balm.
• Pour 70% vodka or alcohol, so that the liquid covers the grass.
• Then add 1 tbsp. water, shake everything well.
• Leave in a warm place for 4 weeks. Shake it every day.
• If after a few days the grass is still not completely submerged under the liquid, add a little water. The herb must remain completely submerged in the liquid for 4 weeks.
• After 4 weeks, strain the tincture and pour into a dark glass bottle.
• Take 20 drops of the tincture, adding it to juice, warm water or tea, 3-4 times a day. After a 2-week course, you should take a break for 2 weeks, and then resume taking.

Vegetarian juice made from natural fresh vegetables such as celery, cabbage and spinach will enrich the body with calcium, magnesium, and lower blood pressure. 1 cup of juice contains 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, which helps to control the body's response to stress.

Other methods

Along with medications, massage, yoga classes are carried out. They help to relax, bring the mind and body to a state of rest.

The following techniques help well:

• Yoga - the practice of mind and body - is considered one of many types of complementary and integrative approaches to health. Yoga combines physical and mental disciplines that can help achieve peace of mind, relaxation, and stress and anxiety. Simple breathing exercises and asanas can be practiced daily.
• Hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is a trance-like state in which concentration is increased. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist using verbal repetition and mental imagery. Migraine, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders seen in psychosomatic disorders are often treated with hypnosis.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Is a form of psychological treatment that is effective for a range of problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and drug use problems. CBT treatment involves efforts to change patient behavior, with an emphasis on helping people learn to be their own therapist. Through exercise during the session, the therapist helps patients develop coping skills, through which they learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions and behavior.

Possible complications

Thermoneurosis (symptoms in adults, treatment depends on the severity of the psychosomatic disorder) is a disease that interferes with a full life. It can make it difficult to perform work or school duties, everyday tasks, reduce concentration, and make it difficult to maintain personal relationships.

Without treatment, depression can lead to health problems, create emotional and behavioral difficulties that affect all areas of life.

Complications include:

• Excessive weight gain or loss of appetite.
• Physical illness.
• Addiction to alcohol or substance abuse.
• Development of social anxiety, anxiety, or phobias.
• Family conflicts.
• Problems at work or school.
• Social isolation.
• Increasing suicidal manifestations.
• Auto-aggression state.

Anxiety disorder increases your risk of developing certain diseases. Chronic stress associated with anxiety can compromise the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections, viral and bacterial diseases.

Stress management is likely to be an ongoing challenge, and symptoms may worsen during periods of acute stress. But with a combination of drug treatment and psychotherapy, most adults with anxiety disorder, thermoneurosis, can control their symptoms and live a normal and comfortable life.

Video about thermoneurosis

Thermoneurosis. An increase in temperature with neuroses: