Management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Author(s)
Johnston, SC
Staines, DR
Brenu, EW
Marshall-Gradisnik, SM
Year published
2014
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also referred to as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a heterogeneous condition, with a complex clinical presentation. Patients not only exhibit severe problems with fatigue following physical or mental exertion, but often experience a diverse range of symptoms that all contribute to the debilitating nature of the illness. Several pathophysiologies have been associated with CFS/ME, particularly affecting the neurological, immunological, and autonomic systems though further evidence is required to understand their exact role in CFS/ME. Patients present with unique combinations of problems ...
View more >Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also referred to as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a heterogeneous condition, with a complex clinical presentation. Patients not only exhibit severe problems with fatigue following physical or mental exertion, but often experience a diverse range of symptoms that all contribute to the debilitating nature of the illness. Several pathophysiologies have been associated with CFS/ME, particularly affecting the neurological, immunological, and autonomic systems though further evidence is required to understand their exact role in CFS/ME. Patients present with unique combinations of problems pertaining to these bodily systems, and may also experience periods of recovery and relapse. The overall impact can also range from significant reduction in pre-morbid daily activities and responsibilities, to the most severe cases where patients may be bed-bound for prolonged periods of time and unable to care for themselves. Altogether, these factors make CFS/ME a particularly challenging illness to define and manage, and clinical guidelines vary significantly in their attention to certain aspects of the disorder. Effective management of the illness needs to be highly patient centered. While patients generally present to primary care health services, the illness poses significant secondary risks to physical and mental health, particularly in most severe, chronic cases. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach of clinicians is crucial for providing additional support in management. The goal of this chapter is to review and appraise several approaches for management of the illness. It is intended to be a reference to both clinicians and patients to aid in reduction of the impact of CFS/ME.
View less >
View more >Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also referred to as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a heterogeneous condition, with a complex clinical presentation. Patients not only exhibit severe problems with fatigue following physical or mental exertion, but often experience a diverse range of symptoms that all contribute to the debilitating nature of the illness. Several pathophysiologies have been associated with CFS/ME, particularly affecting the neurological, immunological, and autonomic systems though further evidence is required to understand their exact role in CFS/ME. Patients present with unique combinations of problems pertaining to these bodily systems, and may also experience periods of recovery and relapse. The overall impact can also range from significant reduction in pre-morbid daily activities and responsibilities, to the most severe cases where patients may be bed-bound for prolonged periods of time and unable to care for themselves. Altogether, these factors make CFS/ME a particularly challenging illness to define and manage, and clinical guidelines vary significantly in their attention to certain aspects of the disorder. Effective management of the illness needs to be highly patient centered. While patients generally present to primary care health services, the illness poses significant secondary risks to physical and mental health, particularly in most severe, chronic cases. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach of clinicians is crucial for providing additional support in management. The goal of this chapter is to review and appraise several approaches for management of the illness. It is intended to be a reference to both clinicians and patients to aid in reduction of the impact of CFS/ME.
View less >
Book Title
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Risk Factors, Management and Impacts on Daily Life
Publisher URI
Subject
Primary health care