Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized by unexplained physical symptoms that have lasted at least six months and can’t be attributed to any other medical condition. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome suffer from extreme exhaustion, as well as a variety of other painful physical symptoms that can make it very difficult to complete the tasks of day-to-day living. Postexertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms that occurs 12-48 hours after overexertion and often lasts for several days, is a hallmark of the illness.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. There are also no medications which have been developed to specifically treat chronic fatigue syndrome. However, there are a variety of treatment strategies that can be used to help minimize the disruptive impact of the condition. Typically, a customized treatment plan can dramatically improve a patient’s overall quality of life.
In most cases, the core treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is symptom management. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome often suffer from insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, depression, memory impairment, or joint pain. Treating the most problematic of these symptoms usually results in an improvement in the patient’s prognosis.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a useful way to teach patients with chronic fatigue syndrome to take a proactive approach to their condition. With regular cognitive behavioral therapy, people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can learn to develop coping strategies that minimize the impact of the disease on their daily activities and relationships with loved ones. However, patients suffering from extreme feelings of anger, guilt, and isolation related to their diagnosis may need to seek professional mental health counseling before cognitive behavioral therapy can be useful.
An exercise program is often a beneficial treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, although people with this condition can’t tolerate a traditional regimen of vigorous aerobic activity. Therefore, it is necessary to work with a trained physical therapist to develop a specialized workout routine. For example, simple stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve mobility and promote a general feeling of well being among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Many patients affected by chronic fatigue syndrome have had success using alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and massage to manage the condition. These treatments can help reduce anxiety while improving the patient’s ability to cope with the painful symptoms of the disease. However, it is important that you discuss the use of alternative therapies with your health care provider so they can be incorporated into your overall treatment program.
