Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
What is ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also know as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is the most common name given to poorly understood disorders with uncertain causes.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- Marked fatigue after exertion
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cognitive difficulties
- Physical exhaustion
- Concentration problems and short term memory impairment
- Flu-like symptoms
Fatigue is a common symptom in many illnesses but chronic fatigue syndrome is a relatively rare disease. In order to be diagnosed with CFS the patient must display severe mental and physical exhaustion which does not improve with rest and worsens with exertion. These symptoms must be present for at least six months and will not be a result of any other medical condition.
CFS usually starts very suddenly, accompanied by flu like symptoms, more likely to occur in winter and can often be an effect of a viral infection or severe stress. As such, the syndrome is often not taken as seriously as people believe it should be.
Patients report marked and critical reductions in levels of physical activity; comparable to the degree of disability caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, AIDS, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The capabilities of patients differs greatly, while some are able to lead a relatively normal life, others will be unable to take care of themselves and may be completely bed-bound.
Who does it affect?
It is thought that CFS occurs more often in women than in men, and usually in people in their 40s and 50s. There is no definitive medical test which can act as a diagnosis of the condition; a diagnosis is based predominantly on patient history and symptomatic criteria.
Due to the problems in defining and identifying CFS, it is difficult to estimate its prevalence throughout the world. It would appear the condition affects all ethnicities however lower income groups seem slightly more susceptible to the illness. While there are more cases occurring in women than in men, this could be because men are not seeking help.
Why does it occur?
The cause of CFS is still relatively unclear, but there are theories surrounding exposure to chemicals and stress which could contribute to the impaired immunity of the condition. Some researchers believe that patients who obsess and fixate on their CFS can worsen their illness while a lack of support from friends and family can delay recovery. Finding the right balance is one of the key steps in overcoming the condition.
How is it treated?
The most effective known management strategy for treating CFS is cognitive behavioural therapy (because this helps patients understand their specific symptoms and develops strategies for patients to improve every day life). Stepped exercise programmes can also be an alternative treatment.
There is a considerable degree of stigma attached to the illness because patients are viewed as lazy, hypochondriacs or attention seekers. Critics have argued that due to a lack of an objective test for the condition, many patients can feign the known symptoms for financial, social or emotional benefits.
How Priory can help
At Priory we know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.
The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as out-patients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com. To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with chronic fatigue/ME please click here.
For more support
If you feel you may be affected by chronic fatigue syndrome and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations.
Action for ME
www.afme.org.uk
0845 123 2314
Association of Young People with ME
www.a4me.org.uk
0845 123 2380
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
08457 909090