Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME Simplified – How to Diagnose and Treat CFS | A Psychiatrist Explains

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disabling and complex clinical condition characterised by unexplained and persistent post-exertional fatigue along with cognitive, immunological, endocrinological and autonomic dysfunction.

Common symptoms include post-exertional fatigue, brain fog, dizziness (POTS), sleep disturbances, and wired fatigue, which significantly impact the quality of life.

There is an overlap of CFS with Long Covid in the context of Covid infection. Both conditions have infections as a trigger.

The pathogenesis of CFS and long covid involve abnormalities in immunological, inflammatory neuroendocrine, mitochondrial and HPA axis amongst other systems.

The management of ME/CFS continues to remain a challenge in medical and psychiatric practice.  Many pathophysiological mechanisms are involved, which requires a targeted strategy targeting multiple mechanisms.

The following points are covered in the video:

• Definition

• Risk factors

• Symptoms

• Diagnosis

• Canadian Consensus Criteria

• Treatment Options:

• Lifestyle changes
• Nutritional supplements
• Psychotherapies
• Pharmacological treatments
• Complementary therapies
• Faecal microbiota transplant

Learn more:

1. The Neurobiology of Trauma and PTSD Phenotypes – Dr Sanil Rege
2. COVID-19 and the Brain – Pathogenesis and Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of COVID-19
3. The Simplified Guide to the Gut-Brain Axis – How the Gut and The Brain Talk to Each Other
4. Long COVID and Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features and Management