A ‘Yuppies’ Disease. Studies
indicate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)strikes every segment of society and that
rates of CFS in poor or minority communities are at least equal to, if not
higher than, in communities with higher incomes.
A Psychological Disorder. While rates of mood
disorder are increased many chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients do not
have a mood disorder and mood disorders are not increased in patients prior to their coming
down with their disease.
A Women's Disease.
Approximately 20% of chronic fatigue syndrome patients are men. The Centers of Disease Control estimates about 800,000 men in the U.S. have
chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Simply About Fatigue. Not only do
patients report that their fatigue is far more severe than anything they'd ever
experienced before they also often experience many other troubling
symptoms such as pain, poor sleep, inability to concentrate, troubles standing,
problems with coordination, and more.
A ‘Minor Disease’. The disability rates of chronic
fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients are similar to people with multiple
sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and other serious
diseases. Some
patients endure years of being virtually home-bound or even bed-ridden by their
disease.
Untreatable. While the cause of chronic fatigue
syndrome (ME/CFS) is still unclear knowledgeable physicians use a wide variety
of protocols to provide many patients with symptomatic
relief. Some patients completely recover.
A 'New' Disease. Chronic fatigue syndrome
(ME/CFS) has had many names over time including 'chronic
EBV syndrome', 'post-viral illness', 'Florence Nightingale Disease', chronic
fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), neuroendocrineimmune disorder,
myalgic encephalopathy and myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) In the late 19th and
early 20th century CFS is believed to have been called 'neurasthenia'.
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.
____________________CFIDS Association of America: CFS Overview
Centers for Disease Control: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
