Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is also known as Neurasthenia

Many people go through periods of feeling tired or run-down; it is part of life. However, with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), exhaustion and other symptoms, which are not caused by any other known medical condition, can become extreme and persistent, despite rest and sleep.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a Mind Body Syndrome which is a stress illness

Two main types occur, with substantial overlap.

In one type, the main feature is a complaint of increased fatigue after mental effort, often associated with some decrease in occupational performance or coping efficiency in daily tasks.

The mental fatiguability is typically described as an unpleasant intrusion of distracting associations or recollections, difficulty in concentrating, and generally inefficient thinking.

In the other type, the emphasis is on feelings of bodily or physical weakness and exhaustion after only minimal effort, accompanied by a feeling of muscular aches and pains and inability to relax.

In both types, a variety of other unpleasant physical feelings, such as dizziness, tension headaches, and a sense of general instability, is common.

Worry about decreasing mental and bodily well-being, irritability, anhedonia, and varying minor degrees of both depression and anxiety are all common.

Sleep is often disturbed in its initial and middle phases, but hypersomnia may also be prominent.

You may not be aware that you have CFS and continue to trudge through your days feeling mental and physical fatigue, taking time off work, and having disturbed sleep.

You may even be experiencing a more severe form of CFS where the simplest of tasks, such as taking a shower is extremely difficult.

You might feel frustrated because you don't understand what is happening to you.

People around you accuse you of being lazy and tell you to "snap of it".

You may feel frightened and vulnerable and not in control of your life.

Concerns around your job and earnings may feed into a cycle of anxiety and depression that can make the condition worse.

However, chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious and disabling condition.

CFS can often be misdiagnosed as depression.

It is essential that you seek professional help to ensure that other treatable conditions have been ruled out.

Recognising chronic fatigue syndrome: what are the symptoms?

The symptoms you experience will depend on whether you have a mild, moderate, or severe form of CFS.

Diagnostic guidelines

  • Either persistent and distressing complaints of increased fatigue after mental effort, or persistent and distressing complaints of bodily weakness and exhaustion after minimal effort
  • At least two of the following:
    • feelings of muscular aches and pains
    • dizziness
    • tension headaches
    • sleep disturbance

If you have a severe form of CFS, you will struggle to carry out even minimal tasks, such as brushing your teeth. You may spend most of tour time in bed and be very sensitive to noise and bright lights.

Treating chronic fatigue syndrome: what are the options available?

CFS is a condition I can help you with

I have recovered from neuroplastic pain (a Mind Body symptom) myself and developed ThePainRecoveryProgram as a result.

I am skilled in the diagnostic assessment of these conditions.

Make an appointment to see me for diagnostic assessment and advice regarding treatment options.