Tag: exercise avoidance

Mania and recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome

A syndrome of disabling fatigue variously labelled myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue, or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)1 has received much recent attention(2,3). Depression occurs in up to half of hospital referrals with CFS4-f and in these cases, may explain the symptoms  (7). However, despite suggestions of muscular dysfunction(8) the cause in the remainder is unknown. The following case is reported with reference to this question.

You can read the rest of this article here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1293060/pdf/jrsocmed00128-0067.pdf

 

Source: M C Sharpe, B A Johnson, and J McCann. Mania and recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome. J R Soc Med. 1991 Jan; 84(1): 51–52. PMCID: PMC1293060 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1293060/

 

Management of chronic (post-viral) fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Simple rehabilitative strategies are proposed to help patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome. A model is outlined of an acute illness giving way to a chronic fatigue state in which symptoms are perpetuated by a cycle of inactivity, deterioration in exercise tolerance and further symptoms. This is compounded by the depressive illness that is often part of the syndrome. The result is a self-perpetuating cycle of exercise avoidance. Effective treatment depends upon an understanding of the interaction between physical and psychological factors. Cognitive behavioural therapy is suggested. Cognitive therapy helps the patient understand how genuine symptoms arise from the frequent combination of physical inactivity and depression, rather than continuing infection, while a behavioural approach enables the treatment of avoidance behaviour and a gradual return to normal physical activity.

 

Source: S Wessely, A David, S Butler, and T Chalder. Management of chronic (post-viral) fatigue syndrome. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1989 Jan; 39(318): 26–29. PMCID: PMC1711569 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1711569/ (Full article)