Brain fag syndrome describes a set of symptoms: somatic, sleep-related and cognitive complaints, difficulty in concentrating and retaining information, head and neck pains, and eye pain. The condition was first described in Nigerian high school and university students in the 1960s. It is considered a culture-bound syndrome caused by excessive pressure to be successful among the young.
Classification
BFS is classified in the fourth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a culture-bound syndrome. Individuals with symptoms of brain fag must be differentiated from those with the syndrome according to the Brain Fag Syndrome Scale ; Ola et al said it would not be "surpris if BFS was called an equivalent of either depression or anxiety".
Causes
Morakinyo found in 20 persons with BFS an achievement drive that was anxiety-related that led to the use of psychostimulants and consequent sleep deprivation which contributed to cognitive disruption; Omoluabi related BFS to test anxiety.
Treatment
Anumonye reported treatment success with lorazepam; others found benefit with antidepressants and relaxation exercises.
Epidemiology
BFS has been reported in other African cultures, and also in Brazil, Argentina, and Ethiopian Jews. Historic higher reported prevalence among males may be due to more males being present in higher education in African countries. Studies since the 1990s have not verified gender differences. Other studies found a possible association with low socioeconomic status, an association with average or higher intelligence, and a high association with neuroticism. Individuals with BFS have been found to have problems with isolation, poor study habits, and the use of psychostimulants as well as physical changes including in muscle tension and heart rate.
History
The condition was first described by RH Prince who named the condition based on the term brain fag used by students who believed their symptoms were attributed to "brain fatigue". However, this term was used in the United States and Europe dating back to 1839. Furthermore, in a detailed historical account, Ayonrinde illustrates that contrary to widely held and published belief in diagnostic manuals, psychiatric, social science and educational text, the term ‘Brain Fag’ and associated syndromes of anxiety, affective and somatoform symptoms in student and ‘brain worker’ populations were first described in 19th century Britain with dissemination across the British Empire. Ayonrinde concludes that, the time has come for the decolonization of brain fag and its African syndromization in the true spirit of ethical scientific rigour in the 21st century.
