Chronic fatigue syndrome and the somatic expression of emotional distress: Applying the concept of illusory mental health to address the controversy

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Bram ◽  
Kiley A. Gottschalk ◽  
William M. Leeds
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Illusory Mental Health

scholarly journals Mental Health and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Is Mental Health the Culprit Behind Your Fatigue?

BioMedica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-187
Author(s):  
Tahira Raza ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry ◽  
Ahsan Masu ◽  
Massiha Gulzar Ahmed ◽  
Minahil Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: All in the Mind? An Occupational Therapy Perspective

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Moore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mental Health Settings

This study aimed to establish the attitudes of occupational therapists towards chronic fatigue syndrome. Previously, no study had investigated the attitudes of health professionals towards this condition, which may be a factor in maintaining the uncertainty surrounding chronic fatigue syndrome. Twenty occupational therapists practising in either physical or mental health settings were recruited to this study. In order to achieve a depth of knowledge not gained by previous studies, the data were collected through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodology by using a structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview; the findings were analysed statistically and thematically. At variance with the literature, the results revealed a neutral to positive attitude towards chronic fatigue syndrome, with no significant difference in responses from participants practising in physical or mental health settings. A unique and valuable role was clearly identified for the profession of occupational therapy within the wider multidisciplinary framework. However, as 16 (80%) of the participants had met individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, the lack of knowledge and need for further education and training were highlighted. Continuing professional development is fundamental in order to provide appropriate, sensitive and holistic services in the future for all individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

scholarly journals Management of chronic fatigue syndrome in children

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Wright ◽  
Ian Partridge ◽  
Christine Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Self Help Groups ◽  
Based Medicine

Certain areas of child and adolescent mental health generate a degree of polarised debate, both within and outside the profession. Media attention, the development of self-help groups and the Internet lead to the publishing of papers and opinion, which exist alongside peer-reviewed research and evidence-based medicine. Parents reading such material may find it hard to know what advice is best. One area that falls into this category is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

scholarly journals Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Canadian Adults: Profiling Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors, Mental Health Diagnoses and Conditions, and Life Experiences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alysha Renouf ◽  
Ken Fowler ◽  
Stacey Wareham-Fowler
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Substance Dependence ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Statistics Canada

Abstract Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a complex assortment of biological, psychological, and functional issues. In the literature, while a debate persists in terms of CFS etiology and treatment options, very rudimentary queries also linger in terms of associated CFS demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, and potentially deleterious life challenges and experiences which, if more definitively clarified, may help elucidate illness origin and management. Methods: Using data extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health (CCHS-MH) (Statistics Canada, 2013) for adults aged 20 to 64 years of age, the current study developed a descriptive statistical profile of demographic, socioeconomic, psychiatric, and life experience characteristics of Canadians reporting a diagnosis of CFS. Further, a series of two-factor Chi Square tests were carried out to determine whether featured variables were significantly more likely for CFS sufferers as compared to adult Canadians without a CFS diagnosis. Results: It was observed that those reporting a CFS diagnosis were significantly more likely to be female, between the ages of 45-64, divorced or separated, living alone, unemployed or unable to work, and of relatively low personal income. CFS sufferers were also more likely to have comorbid psychiatric diagnoses including lifetime and 12-month Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and substance dependence, as well as self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleeping troubles, and reported histories of childhood physical and sexual maltreatment. Conclusions: A very compelling demographic, socioeconomic, psychiatric, and life history profile of CFS sufferers emerged in this study, corroborating many findings in the literature. Since this study involved a national assessment CFS across Canada, it may afford some lucidity and insight in terms of etiological implications, and hence more precision in diagnosis, and potentially innovative treatment options. Future topics of inquiry, and potential limitations are also considered.

scholarly journals How common are depression and anxiety in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and how should we screen for these mental health co-morbidities? A clinical cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria E. Loades ◽  
Rebecca Read ◽  
Lucie Smith ◽  
Nina T. Higson-Sweeney ◽  
Amanda Laffan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Children’S Anxiety ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) appear to be more likely to experience anxiety and/or depression using Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). However, we do not know how accurate these are at detecting problems in this patient group given the primary symptom of fatigue. We aimed to accurately determine the prevalence of anxiety/depression using gold-standard diagnostic interviews and evaluate the accuracy of PROMs measuring mood disorders in this patient group. We conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study in a specialist tertiary paediatric CFS/ME service, England. The participants were164 12–18-year olds with clinician confirmed CFS/ME and their parents. The measures were a semi-structured diagnostic interview, the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, K-SADS, and questionnaires (Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, RCADS; Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale, SCAS; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Parents completed the RCADS-P. 35% met the criteria for at least one common mental health problem. 20% had major depressive disorder, and 27% an anxiety disorder, with social anxiety and generalised anxiety being the most common. There was high co-morbidity, with 61% of those who were depressed also having at least one anxiety disorder. The questionnaires were moderately accurate (AUC > 0.7) at detecting clinically significant anxiety/depression, although only the RCADS-anxiety reached the predefined 0.8 sensitivity, 0.7 specificity target. Mental health problems are particularly common amongst adolescents with CFS/ME. Most screening tools were not sufficiently accurate in detecting clinically significant anxiety and depression, so these should be used with care in combination with thorough psychological/psychiatric assessment.

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