The effort syndrome

Abstract

Effort Syndrome has been surveyed from a Historical, Clinical and Aetiological view point.

The Importance of the problem in war time has been stressed, the reasons for the apparent increase in incidence stated, and suggestions for dealing with the various types of cases outlined.

The gradual change from the belief in a purely physical causation to the present psychological approach has been outlined.

The symptoms and signs are the 'physiological response to emotion'rather than to effort and occur in poorly integrated personalities or at times of severe emotional strain.

The condition arises from a maladjustment to environmental factors, conscious and endopsychic, and is more closely related to the Psychoneuroses than to Physical Disease.

Prophylaxis is difficult and, as in the pure Psychoneuroses, is more Sociological than medical. Curative treatment will not be effective unless the emotional background is appreciated and dealt with. A psychiatric diagnosis is possible in the majority of cases.