Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Treatments Studied
Scientists in Norway studied 828 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome to see which treatments helped and which ones didn't.
Rest and pacing helped these patients the most. Shielding ran a close third.
Pacing involves deliberately doling out the small energy supply, mindful that each expenditure causes the small reservoir to dwindle. The goal is to accomplish necessities of the day without collapse and ending up in deficit.
Shielding is protecting oneself from the onslaught of too many stimuli that can lead to greater neurological dysfunction. Removing to a room that is quiet, possibly dark, without the visual activity of a TV screen, reduces the stimulation on a fragile nervous system.
One of the least helpful treatments was graded exercise therapy. Approximately 79 percent of the patients following graded exercise therapy deteriorated as a direct result.
Cognitive behavior therapy also was not helpful. Trying to treat a neurological disorder with cognitive behavior therapy cannot correct the neurological dysfunction of chronic fatigue syndrome.
"The exact cause is uncertain and likely multi-factorial. Conditions that have been proposed to trigger the development of chronic fatigue syndrome include viral infection, immune disorders, hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, and toxic exposure."
http://www.ei-resource.org/news/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-news/the-most-e...
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Pacing, rest and shielding are helpful to me. I do moderate exercise in the form of walking about the same distance daily. However, this exercise falls under the "pacing" rule - I don't do it if I don't feel able, and I don't do as much if I don't feel able. Trying to do more and more exercise or pushing myself to exercise do not work. I wonder how eating a healthful diet ranked?
June 16, 2010 - 3:01amThis Comment
I did get and cbt both terrible and insulting. 8 years of Prozac and amitriptyline made me worse (and massive weight gaUin which dr blamed on me being " out of control"
June 16, 2010 - 5:00ambest things gluten free diet, pacing, shielding and hydrotherapy. Avoiding depressives and disbelievers, avoiding psychobabblers and argumentative types and People selling miracle cures.Hydrotherapy highly recommended at your own pace.gets circulation going ;) Dont waste energy explaining / justifying symptoms to people with an axe to grind. No alcohol no tv . Small 3 minute you tube clips.
Lactose free milk from lactofree also helped stomach settle gluten free essential, delegate as much as poss try not to get manic and overdo it just cos you were bored swim (flat exercise better than upright) Ignore advice from people who have been I'll fewer than 2 years they might have just had simple exhaustion, make sure you make time for small treats . Get vit d sunshine and as much rest as you feel you need. Get an iPod touch and check email quickly from lying position then stay off computer. You may have to say no more... Good luck.
June 16, 2010 - 5:14am