Chronic Fatigue Syndromes

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are serious, debilitating conditions that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. ME/CFS can cause significant impairment and disability. Despite substantial efforts by researchers to better understand ME/CFS, there is no known cause or effective treatment. Diagnosing the disease remains a challenge, and patients often struggle with their illness for years before an identification is made. Some health care providers have been skeptical about the serious physiological - rather than psychological - nature of the illness. Once diagnosed, patients often complain of receiving hostility from their health care provider as well as being subjected to treatment strategies that exacerbate their symptoms. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proposes new diagnostic clinical criteria for ME/CFS and a new term for the illness - systemic exertion intolerance disease(SEID). According to this report, the term myalgic encephalomyelitis does not accurately describe this illness, and the term chronic fatigue syndrome can result in trivialization and stigmatization for patients afflicted with this illness. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome stresses that SEID is a medical - not a psychiatric or psychological - illness. This report lists the major symptoms of SEID and recommends a diagnostic process.One of the report's most important conclusions is that a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted work-up are necessary and often sufficient for diagnosis. The new criteria will allow a large percentage of undiagnosed patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be a valuable resource to promote the prompt diagnosis of patients with this complex, multisystem, and often devastating disorder; enhance public understanding; and provide a firm foundation for future improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Complete Coverage of chronic fatigue syndrome The Handbook of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome provides authoritative coverage of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). A leading group of international contributors present up-to-date information and guidance to improve the understanding, proper identification, and treatment of this debilitating disease. The handbook's comprehensive, multidisciplinary format draws on the medical, as well as mental health-related, aspects of CFS, including: History, diagnosis, and classification Phenomenology Symptomatology Assessment Treatment and intervention Pediatric and community issues Topics covered include complexity of diagnosis, social effects of chronic disorders, and a variety of treatment techniques, including phase-based therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies, exercise therapy, and nutritional approaches. An insightful and unique resource, the Handbook of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an enlightening book for all mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counselors, as well as medical personnel, such as nurses, physicians, and physical-occupational therapists.

Some doctors still think Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a "fake" diagnosis. In this book, Joel Young, MD, presents the research, experience, and treatments that prove otherwise. Millions of Americans experience chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a continuous exhaustion and a feeling comparable to that of having just run a marathon when all they have done is a daily living task, such as taking a shower or getting dressed. Doctors don't have tests for CFS, and some think it's a faux or psychological disorder. Joel Young, MD, in this heavily researched book, explains why it is a true physical illness and how it may be treated. He details how he successfully treats the symptoms, which can include severe fatigue, "brain fog," chronic pain, and sleep problems. Unlike doctors who recommend exercise, supplements, or opioid medications, Young integrates such options as long-acting stimulants, meditation, and dietary changes to reduce fatigue, as well as non-opioid drugs, medical marijuana, and self-help options including yoga for the associated chronic pain.

Help young CFS sufferers cope with this debilitating illness Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating illness that can have devastating effects for those afflicted, especially children and adolescents. Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome discusses this growing problem and its many facets in depth, including the mounting prevalence of incidents in the population and detailed explanations of diagnostic criteria. Case studies are provided to illustrate the issues those afflicted with CFS face, such as increasing isolation, decreasing school attendance, the length of time it typically takes to get diagnosed, and the impact on leisure activities. Current criteria for CFS were designed for use in adults, with few studies done on assessing how appropriate these criteria are for children and adolescents. Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome provides the criteria for first-time diagnosis of pediatric CFS and includes practical recommendations developed by the International Association of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pediatric Case Definition Working Group. This book closely examines the potential impact that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has on child and adolescent functioning, psychological factors, social factors, and the suffering endured from symptoms. Guidelines are provided on ways ME-CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) can be addressed in primary practice. Topics in Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include: ME/CFS CACFS (Chronic Fatigues Syndrome in Children and Adolescents) the common problem of Munchausen-by-proxy research on the psychosocial, family, and physical functioning comparing children and adolescents with CFS and those without CFS using theory in clinical practice guidelines on how ME/CFS can be addressed in primary practice overview of CFS aspects for healthcare professionals who may be called on to diagnose or treat the illness and more Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is timely, important information for health professionals, researchers, counselors, caregivers, parents of children and adolescents with CFS, and patients with CFS.

Combining a self-help manual, personal histories of chronic fatigue sufferers and a dictionary of symptoms and treatments, this comprehensive volume details every facet of the disease and thoroughly discusses every treatment currently available--from diagnosis to symptoms to traditional and alternative therapies to support groups.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is now a recognized major and international medical concern. Neglected for many years because of its puzzling wide range of symptoms and inability to be “slotted” into any single mainstream medical discipline, CFS has gained government, academic, and public attention. In this innovative book, Dr. Jay Goldstein provides a medical narrative of an “evolving theory” of how the symptoms of CFS may develop through dysfunction of numerous physiological pathways. He describes the biologic basis of these assumptions, and, based on an analysis of basic medical principles, leads the reader to logical conclusions. In addition, Dr. Goldstein reveals a wealth of clinical experience by describing successes and failures of various therapies and discusses the reasons for the outcomes. Dr. Goldstein’s private practice is devoted to patients who fit the profile of a CFS sufferer. As a result, his extensive clinical experience has given him a unique hands-on perspective not readily available to most researchers. Chronic Fatigue Syndromes: The Limbic Hypothesis carefully reviews the extant research literature in each chapter. Although Dr. Goldstein cautions that this model should be viewed only as a PROMISING FOUNDATION for future research, no less than six peer reviewers, all leading researchers and clinicians in the CFS field, have endorsed the direction of Dr. Goldstein’s bold proposition. The breadth and scope of this book is perhaps best summarized by Paul Cheney, MD, PhD, a national leader in the field: “Despite its long history, the medical establishment with its great advances in biotechnology has been largely unable to crack the basic pathophysiology of the chronic fatigue syndrome. . . . Dr. Goldstein’s new book takes us to a place few people know well, and describes a plausible mechanism of injury to the deep brain which could explain every symptom seen in [patients with] chronic fatigue syndrome. . . . It is the unifying power of his hypothesis, together with emerging scientific support for this view, that makes this book an important one to read for both the patient with CFS, as well as the practitioner and medical scientist who attempt to understand it.”

"Toby's story is not just an inspiration, it is a 'how to' guide for overcoming CFS. Together with founding the CFS Health Centre, he hopes this book will spread the word of what he learnt during his battle and what steps fellow sufferers can take to get their lives back."--P. [4] of cover.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a common condition that can last for many years. It is a debilitating chronic illness which ruins lives. Every waking moment becomes a physical, emotional and cognitive struggle just to function on the most basic of levels. The purpose of this book is to reassure sufferers and their families that recovery is possible and that the illness is genuine. It draws on the experiences of many sufferers of chronic fatigue and on those of the author herself. Dr Kristina Downing-Orr, a clinical psychologist, suffered severe chronic fatigue symptoms and was compelled to research the cause of CFS and the cure herself because she was offered so little help by the medical profession. Her recovery was quick and lasting. In her book, Kristina reveals the causes of chronic fatigue and offers an accessible, scientifically valid, easy-to-achieve programme that will inspire people with CFS to regain their health and restore their energy and vitality. Chapters cover Kristina's own story, what chronic fatigue really is, what causes it, diagnosis, a step-by-step self-treatment programme, how to strengthen the body, and coping with stress and resources.