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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is chronic fatigue syndrome linked to any other conditions?

    Related Topics
    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Immunology
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  • Julie Wilson

    Psychologist

    Psychologist, Family Therapist and Dog Therapy handler who is passionate about working with individuals, families and couples of all ages who are experiencing disordered eating. … View Profile

    The causes for ME/CFS and thus everyone person who has it, is experienced very individually. There are a number of symptoms which make up the criteria to be diagnosed with ME/CFS  - however each person experiences them to a different intensity. Can we link it to other conditions, yes but are they preexisting conditions  or the result of having ME/CFS?
    This is a very complex question as ME/CFS is thought to be linked to other physical and psychological conditions, however which came first? Was the condition preexisting and contributed to the person getting ME/CFS, or did the  ME/CFS cause this condition?
    There is a widespread belief amoung medical professionals that people who experience Depression will ‘get’ ME/CFS and that it may be the same diagnosis, and they will therefore only address the Depression in their treatment. However, this is ignoring the big picture and often results in non effective treatment and alienating the person with ME/CFS.  They are separate conditions, but which came first? We do know that being depressed lowers your immune system and increases your vulnerability to viruses such as those that can lead to ME/CFS. And yet we also know how terribly debilitating ME/CFS is, and that it can cause people to become very depressed.
    This is a complex question and it's important to understand that ME/CFS is different in every person, but on the same hand it is the same to every individual, and it may be linked to other conditions. 

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  • Lucinda Curran

    Acupuncturist

    Lucinda Curran of Eco Health Solutions offers a truly holistic approach to health by combining Building Biology and Chinese Medicine. Her work is solutions-focussed and … View Profile

    Hi,

    CFS can also be related to environmental illnesses - such as chemical and electrical sensitivities. 

    If either of these environmental illnesses are present, exposure to triggers (things that the person is sensitive to) can be exhausting, especially if it is on a daily basis.

    People who have CFS or chemical sensitivites are unique - in that there are not the same set of symptoms or causes across the board, although similarities do exist.

    Having said that, for people who are sensitive to chemicals, synthetic fragrances are a common trigger. This means that things such as mainstream laundry products can be a cause of daily exposures.

    Some simple steps include changing laundry products, removing air fresheners (open the windows instead), and ceasing the use of perfumes and aftershaves. I feel that it is worth experimenting with avoidance for a week or two and seeing if this helps. 

    Wishing you well!

    Lucinda

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    Thanks

    Julie Wilson

    Psychologist

    Psychologist, Family Therapist and Dog Therapy handler who is passionate about working with individuals, families and couples of all ages who are experiencing disordered eating. … View Profile

    Recently I've become aware of people with ME/CFS testing positive for Limes Disease, via overseas testing laboratories

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