Treating associated symptoms
Depression is quite common in people with CFS/ME (as it is with many other chronic diseases). Depression can make many symptoms worse. Antidepressants may be prescribed if depression develops and may help to ease some of the symptoms (for example, pain, poor sleep). Painkillers may help if muscle or joint pains are troublesome symptoms.
Other treatments
As there is only limited success with conventional treatments it is understandable that people turn to complimentary practitioners. Many people with CFS/ME find various therapies helpful. However, there is little research evidence to say how effective complementary therapies are for CFS/ME. Also, there is some concern that some therapists cause confusing or misleading health beliefs, recommend unnecessary tests, and may prescribe treatments that have no scientific proof of success (and in some cases can be harmful). In particular, beware of anyone who claims to have a 'cure' for CFS/ME - especially when it costs a lot of money.
What is the outlook (prognosis) for people with CFS/ME?
In most cases, the condition has a fluctuating course. There may be times when symptoms are not too bad, and times when symptoms flare up and become worse. The long-term outlook is variable.
- Most people with CFS/ME will show some improvement over time, especially with treatment. Some people recover in less than two years, while others remain ill for many years. However, health and functioning rarely return completely to previous levels. Most people who recover stabilise at a lower level of functioning than that before their illness.
- In some cases the condition is severe and/or persists for many years. Those who have been affected for several years seem less likely to recover.
Further information and support
ME Association
4 Top Angel, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham, MK18 1TH
Tel: 0870 444 1835 Web: www.meassociation.org.uk.
Action for ME
PO Box 1302, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1YE
Tel: 0845 123 2314 Web: www.afme.org.uk.
Association of Young People with ME (AYME)
PO Box 605, Milton Keynes, MK2 2XD
Tel: 08451 232389 Web: www.ayme.org.uk.
Tymes Trust (The Young ME Sufferers Trust)
PO Box 4347, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9TE
Tel: 01245 401080 Web: www.tymestrust.org.
A national UK service for children and young people with ME and their families.
The 25% ME Group
(Support for people who have the severe form of CFS/ME)
4 Douglas Court, Beach Road, Barassie, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6SQ
Web: www.25megroup.org.
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: February 2006
Average rating:
John Morris, over 2 years
Hello, my wife and I have suffered with ME since contracting glandular fever 28 years ago. Pacing yourself with a certain amount of exercise is the we only way for us to lead a relatively normal life. We caught the virus from our elder son. Who has recovered from any post viral syndrome. The only thing that has any benificial effect on us is vitamin B12 which is difficult to obtain. We are much improved in the summer, if we catch a cold in the winter then the symptons return with a vengence until the weathewr warms up. We are both effected in similar ways digestive problems joint pains and dreadful lethargy. The lethargy must be fought at all costs, otherwise you spiral downwards and do less and less. We have long ago stopped going to the doctors, you may as well talk to the trees. They tut in the right places, but are of no benefit to you whatsoever. You are truly on your own. John and Ann Morris.
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