In my previous CFS post, I defined CFS (an extremely complex disorder which has been described as fatigue lasting longer than 24 hours that is not improved from bed rest and which can also be worsened by physical or mental activity) and its symptoms (tender lymph nodes, sore throat, short-term memory loss, lack of concentration, joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches (new or a new pattern), unrefreshing sleep, muscle pain/weakness, and insomnia).
This week’s post will focus on the theory that this is a psychological condition and list some of the treatments available.
CFS affects over one million people of every race, age group and gender; although women are diagnosed about 4 times as much as men and the median age affected seems to be between 40-50 years of age.
Social stigma can also accompany this condition because even physicians have been known to “bully” the patient into thinking it’s all in his/her head or, in fact, another condition. While CFS in children and teens is rare, these groups have reported the most difficulty in gaining acceptance from doctors, parents and peers.
It’s also difficult to diagnose because there is no known cause. Theories have been developed as to what causes CFS with some professionals who see it as either physiological condition (information on this is provided in the previous CFS post) or a psychological condition.
Diagnosing CFS is difficult as its symptoms can be the same for many other conditions. Psychological disorders with similar symptoms include: neurasthenia, drug or alcohol abuse, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety or other psychological disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia.
Based on the theory that this is a psychological disorder, treatments include: depression medicines, anti-anxiety medications, cognitive behavior therapy (working with a therapist to overcome a psychological condition by identifying and changing dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses) and exercise in moderation (too much could actually exacerbate CFS).
Many people with CFS have also found it beneficial to contact support groups and talk/chat with others going through the same illness. They provide current information on treatments and for many, the relief that others understand what the sufferer is going through.
One very common theme I have noticed while researching CFS studies, support group websites and other related forums on the web exist because of the elusive nature of CFS. Many deep breathing and relaxation programs seem to benefit the sufferer.
If stress or anxiety is thought to exacerbate your CFS condition, I encourage you to try my High Blood Pressure program, which is all natural. The High Blood Pressure Program is designed to ‘normalize’ blood pressure therefore you do not have to be afflicted with hypertension to benefit from it. I encourage feedback to let me know how my program has worked for you!
EL331002
