Synonyms
Apathy; Fatigue
Definition
From the Greek lēthargia (from lēthargos: “forgetful”), “lethargy” is a general term that can be used to describe either a physical or mental state. Physically, it describes a condition of low energy, which can range from moderate fatigue to severe stupor. When used to describe a mental state, “lethargy” refers to mental inactivity, either from mental fatigue or apathy. Given the range of meanings, “lethargy” does not imply any cause and can be used to describe the malaise of major depression, the muscular weakness of multiple sclerosis, cancer-related fatigue, or the torpor of a nearly comatose state.
Cross-References
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References and Readings
Cornuz, J., Guessous, I., & Favrat, B. (2006). Fatigue: A practical approach to diagnosis in primary care. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174, 765–767.
Davis, M. P., & Goforth, H. (2014). Fighting insomnia and battling lethargy: The yin and yang of palliative care. Current Oncology Reports, 16, 377.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this entry
Cite this entry
Boland, R.J. (2018). Lethargy. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1314
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1314
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences