What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or, more commonly, ME/CFS and has been a condition that has bred some controversy. This is probably due to the fact that the actual cause is still unknown and, therefore, has led some people to believe it is not a serious condition.
However, we can assure you that ME/CFS is real – it is a long-term condition and can be seriously debilitating for the sufferer.
It can have an effect on various and different part(s) of the body and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The main symptom of ME/CFS is extreme tiredness. Tiredness is common for many reasons, but this is another level of tiredness. It can make even simple activities problematic, such as making a cup of tea, walking to the door or even taking a bath.
It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions or issues. Others can include:
- disturbed sleep or insomnia
- oversleeping or sleeping too much
- feeling exhausted or stiff when waking up
- problems with focusing and thinking
- depression and feelings of hopelessness
Some people with ME/CFS experience flu-like symptoms, including high temperature, and aches and pains in muscles and joints.
How does Talkmind treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
There is no proven cure for this condition, therefore treatments are directed toward managing symptoms.
Some doctors historically advocated rest. While this cannot do harm, it has been shown that resting does not necessarily help and we would recommend occupational and physio-therapy are also practiced. However, the following are treatments that are known to help manage symptoms such as sleep problems, pain and depression:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Anti-depressants such as low doses of amitriptyline
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Due to symptoms being similar to many other conditions, diagnosing ME/CFS is a process of elimination, ruling out other problems until coming to the conclusion that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is the cause.
This requires the Talkmind approach of expertise, patience and empathy and we take this condition very seriously.
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Signs of Mania
- Lesser need for sleep or an inability to sleep (insomnia)
- Racing mind
- Feeling as if you have consumed too much caffeine or taken an illicit substance, such as cocaine
- Extreme self-confidence and self-belief that is out of the ordinary
- Lack of control or a fear of losing control
- High creative output
- Being extremely talkative, often feeling unable to stop chatting
- Dramatically increased sex drive
- Behaving recklessly
- Having extravagant ideas that are unrealisticÂ
- Behaving impulsively, for example booking a plane ticket last minute in search of an adventure
- Disregard for one’s safety, perhaps engaging in risky or irresponsible activities, such as gambling, spending sprees or unsafe sexÂ
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia