CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME / MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

INTRODUCTION

Much has been mentioned in the press recently about the Department of Health recognising Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) as an illness. It is encouraging that this very real illness has at last been recognised. It was previously referred to as"yuppie flu" which belied the seriousness of the condition, it is believed that it may actually have existed for centuries.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Although sufferers experience an individual array of symptoms the most common include :

• Persistent / excessive tiredness or fatigue
• Cognitive impairment eg problems concentrating
• Post-exertional malaise - 'flu-like' symptoms following exertion.
• Pain
• Sleep disturbance
• Recurrent sore throat
• Digestive disturbance
• Food, drink and medication intolerances

HOW COMMON IS IT?

The condition affects 0.2 - 0.4% of the population, the commonest ages of onset are early twenties to mid-forties, in children the commonest age of onset is 13-15, but cases can occur as young as 5 years old.It is twice as common in women as men and it affects all social classes and ethnic groups.

WHAT IS IT CAUSED BY?

Although CFS / ME is not fully understood, some common factors have been identified. The condition is caused by different multiple factors that interact in each individual. These often include initial triggers such as an original infection but the condition may then be maintained by problems such as sleep difficulties or mood disorders.

CFS / ME is a genuine condition that imposes a substantial burden on sufferers, carers and families.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

The Eastbourne Clinic has developed a specialist service based on physical and psychological therapies as the illness affects the sufferer in both these ways. We have experience of treating psychological disorders in people with physical problems, this is commonly known as Liaison Psychiatry. We have taken this one step further and developed a service which can provide input from a whole range of disciplines including Consultant Psychiatrists, Physiotherapists, Hydrotherapists, Acupuncturists, Counsellors, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists, Physicians and qualified General and Psychiatric nurses.

We have already worked with a number of sufferers who have experienced measurable benefits from our individually tailored treatment packages and were able to return home at a higher level of functioning than before they undertook the programme.

We are pleased to be able to offer this service to the people of Eastbourne although it is already gaining national recognition.

Do contact us for further information on our inpatient, outpatient and day patient programmes.