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BRAIN FAG
The 'brain fag' syndrome, which was first reported from West Africa in 1960 among students, has been shown to occur very widely in African students in western educational systems south of the Sahara. Though “brain fag” is thought to be culture bound and was classified in 1960, there is evidence that brain fag was known as brain fog. In English,brain fog is slang and means tired and was actually included in the dictionary in 1900. Other studies since have admitted the similarities of “brain fog” and “brain fag” but the distinctive feature of brain fag is the culture-bound syndrome. The word ‘fag’ is problematic and therefore the symptom is at times simply called brain fog to diminish word definition.A study of the ‘brain fag’ syndrome was performed and the study investigated the symptoms from a group of young apprentices involved in intensive training. The study included 183 males, and 79 females in an age range from 13-26 years. Results indicated brain fag symptoms were at a low rate among these different types of apprentices.

Another study was done among South African students which included Cultural Orientation Scale, Student Stress Scale, and a Self Reporting Questionnaire. This study collected data on socioeconomic background, cultural background, stress events, neurotic disorder and brain fag symptoms. Results indicated that brain fag symptoms of unpleasant sensations associated with studying were present in 17.7% of the stude

A 27-year-old male student at an Eastern Cape University experienced symptoms of brain fag. He had several symptoms of depression. He had encountered anxiety symptoms before this and had phobias about speaking in classes. He indicated that he believed that he had been bewitched. He experienced watering eyes, blurred vision, crawling sensations on the scalp and headaches which are distinctive features of brain fag. No treatment was revealed in this case only the symptoms.

=Symptoms=

Brain fag syndrome is basically a depressive disorder and to some extent an anxiety and depressive disorder. Symptoms are numerous and treatments are varied. Each person with the symptoms of brain fag must find a caretaker that will determine exactly what needs to be done for treatment. Some symptoms associated with brain fag include difficulties in thinking, concentrating, and remembering. These symptoms are found in high school and university students who are doing a relatively large amount of thinking. Students often state that their brains are "fatigued." Additional somatic symptoms are usually centered around the head and neck. The symptoms may include pain and pressure,tightness, blurred vision, heat and burning. "Brain tiredness" or fatigue from "too much thinking" is a figure of speech in many cultures. The resulting syndromes can resemble certain Anxiety, Depressive, and Somataform Disorders.

Brain fag symptoms are quite often the same from one person to the next, however, signs and symptoms can vary on an individual basis. A thorough study by the individual’s doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis of any symptoms. The doctor can classify these if they are actually brain fag syndrome symptoms. Outline for Culture Formulation and Glossary of Culture-Bound Syndromes, Appendix 1, p.900, Retrieved June 26, 2008 = Treatment =

There are no set rules for treatment of brain fag. the treatments vary from traditional to alternative in order to supply the relief, if not cure, of the pain. It is very obvious that more studies and investigations must be done to find the exact treatment to fit each symptom of brain fag. In 1960, Lorazepam was administered to male Nigerian students diagnosed with brain-fag syndrome after not responding to other treatments. Eighty four percent made marked improvement without any severe side effects. “Tissue Remedies” is noted to be of great service and the most rapid method in healing. Previously being treated by other remedies, then switching to the “Tissue Remedies”, shows marked improvement in a short period of time. This treatment is an attempt to give proper nourishment to every part and tissue. The client may have to change surroundings and begin a “regular” routine of healthy activities such as regular exercises, meals, sleep and even regular bowel movements and urination. Special emphasis is placed on the overtaxed tissues of the body.

= Conclusion =

I conclude with this thought: Why are more studies of Brain fag not conducted in the United States? Though it is considered a multicultural illness, I myself at times feel I share the many symptoms of this illness.

= Two Articles: =

Many cases of Brain fag have been successfully treated with tissue remedies. Cases treated with other substances then treated with the tissue remedies show rapid improvement.

F.D. Bittinger,M.D. International Academy of Classical Homeopathy.Retrieved June 23, 2008 from http://www.vithoulkas.com/content/view/1256/lang,en/

In 2,508 Nigerian men, women, and children, who were given a questionnaire, 38.9% had a prevalence of brain fag. The Brain Fag Syndrome Scale(BFSS),Eysenck Personality Questionnaire(EPQ),General Health Questionnaire and a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables were all used in this study.

Fatoye, F.O.,Brain Fag Syndrome among Nigerian undergraduates:Present status and association with personality and psychosocial factors. IFE Psychologia:An International Journal Department of Mental Health,College of Health Sciences,Obafemi Awolowo University,lle-lfe,Nigeria(2004),Vol 12(1),2004 pp.74-85'Retrieved June 26, 2008, from Ebsoco Host Research Database

= Eight more Articles: =

A study was done on 185 first year college students at the University of North and South Africa. The students used for the study were 42.9% male, 57.3% female, and their ages ranged from 18 to 32. 17.7% of the students in the study showed symptoms of brain fag.

Peltzer,K.(2002).Brain fag symptoms among Black South African University students.Southern African Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental HealthVol 14(2).Retrieved June 26,2008 from Ebsco Host Research Database

A 27 year-old man diagnosed with brain fag at Eastern Cape University showed symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, body weakness, rapid heart beat, shaky hands and difficulty falling asleep. The man also had several symptoms of depression. This males one wonder is the to illness could be related.

Louw, D.A., Edwards, D.J.A.,(1997)An Introduction for Students in Southern Africa.Retrieved June 23, 2008, from http://health.mweb.co.za/mind/Culturebound_syndromes/1284-1304,13256.asp

Though many symptoms of brain fag are the same from one person to the next, signs and symptoms can vary on an individual basis.

About Signs and Symptoms of brain fag syndrome.Retrieved June27, 2008, from Medical Articles and Books on Symptoms Web site: http://wrongdiagnosis.com/b/brain_fag_syndrome/symptoms.htm

Brain fag is a contraction of "fagged out" which his commonwealth English slang that means to be tired. This article states that brain fag has been in the U.S. for many years. It says it was actually in the U.S. dictionary in 1900. This contradicts some article which make it seem as if it is a culture bound syndrome only found in Africa.

Brain Fag. Retrieved June 27, 2008, from Wikipedia Web site:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Brain_fag

Brain Fag was said to have been first reported in 1960 from West Africa. This article tells of 183 males and 79 females in the African apprenticeship program, who were tested for brain fag. In the study a "relationship between proficiency in English, with brain fag symptoms was found."

Pelter, K. (2002). 'Brain Fag' Symptoms in Apprentices in Nigeria. Retrieved June 25, 2008, from International Journal of Descriptive and Experimental Psychopathology. Web site:http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=68594

Brain fag is said to be more prevalent in West Africa students who are using a Western-style book learning or West African students who speak English.

Colman, A.(2001).Brain Fag.Retrieved June 23,2008,from High Beam Encyclopedia Web site:http//www.encyclopedia.com/printable.aspx?id=1087 brain:brainfag

This article describes brain fag as an "overworking of the head." It also states that one suffering from brain fag may often feel fatigue even after adequate rest. The authors state that there is a possibility of brain fag being associated with immigration or culture change.

Drust, R.; Minuchin-Itzigsohn, S.;Jabotinsky-Rubin, K.(1993).Brain-fag syndrome:Manifestation of transculturation in an Ethiopan Jewish immigrant. Isreal Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, Vol 30(4)Retrieved June 26, 2008, from Ebsco Host Research Database.

This article discusses Lorazepam as a treatment from brain fag syndrome. In a study conducted on 60 male college students, 84% showed improvement after using Lorazepam. These students had been given other benzodiazepines and had shown no improvement.

Anumonye, A.(1978,Sept). Lorazepam in the treatment of 'Brain Fag Syndrome.'Nigeria:African Psychiatry Association,Vol 4(3-4). Retrieve June 26,2008,from Ebsco Host Research Database.

= REFERENCES =

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=2&sid=56859031-097f-4926-a846-74b89e9d27a0%40sessionmgr103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=psyh&AN=2003-03461-004