Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) affects over 250,000 in the UK and usually develops in people in their early 20s to mid-40s often with a devastating effect on daily life.
Unfortunately, CFS can be tricky to diagnose as there are no specific tests for the illness and MRI scans, brain and blood tests, including thyroid function tests, are often carried out with negative results. To make a diagnosis of CFS, the symptoms need to have continued for at least four months and all other physical and psychological causes need to be ruled out, including depressive illness, as both conditions can coexist or mimic each other.
The symptoms for this condition vary but usually include profound fatigue after exercise, muscle pain and frequent headaches. Other symptoms can be disturbed sleep patterns, inability to control temperature, irritable bowel syndrome and memory disturbances. The most difficult part of this condition for both patients and clinicians is that the cause of it is unknown, although it is thought to be associated with a viral infection or considerable stress in a person’s life.
Sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are often very hard working, driven perfectionists, who push themselves beyond normal limits to consistently produce excellent results in any activity they undertake. People of both sexes can be affected, although more women than men tend to suffer, and the condition usually lasts four to five years.
Treatment should always be of a holistic nature looking at what the person does and how they think as well as looking at any medication required. The four forms of treatment that have been found to be especially useful are:
The outcome for people with CFS is varied with most improving over time and many recovering enough to be able to resume a normal working and activity pattern. However, some people’s symptoms do not improve and management becomes the key driver of their treatment plan.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term condition characterized by extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms that can severely impact daily life. It affects over 250,000 people in the UK.
There is no single test to diagnose CFS. Doctors usually conduct various tests (e.g., MRI, blood tests, thyroid function tests) to rule out other conditions. A diagnosis is made when symptoms persist for at least four months and no other physical or psychological cause is found.
The symptoms of CFS differ from person to person but often include extreme fatigue that worsens after physical or mental activity, muscle pain, frequent headaches, sleep disturbances, problems with memory and concentration, irritable bowel syndrome, and difficulties regulating body temperature.
Treatment for CFS is holistic and individualized. It may involve pacing activities to align with the person’s energy levels, engaging in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to support psychological coping, using medication to address specific symptoms like sleep difficulties or low mood, and participating in Graded Exercise Therapy under professional supervision to gradually improve physical stamina.
Recovery from CFS varies widely. Many individuals experience gradual improvement and are able to return to normal or near-normal levels of function over time. However, for some, symptoms may persist and require long-term management focused on maintaining quality of life and reducing the impact of the illness.
