Health encyclopaedia

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Treatment of Chronic fatigue syndrome

There is no accepted drug or behavioural treatment for CFS.  Treatments which may help relieve particular symptoms for some people may prove ineffective or counterproductive in others.  Early diagnosis, pacing rest with activity, targeted drugs to control certain symptoms and self-help measures may aid recovery.

Common treatments include:

• some antidepressants (eg prozac) for fatigue with depression
• other drugs for specific symptoms eg muscle pain
• graded exercise (graded activity) programme
• low dose anti-depressants (or herbal such as St. John’s Wort)
• painkillers
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) benefits physical functioning
• complementary therapies such as osteopathy, nutritional therapy, and homeopathy may help.

Self-help measures include:

• avoiding stressful situations
• moderate exercising
• avoiding alcohol, caffeine, sugar and sweeteners
• avoid any other food and drinks that you are sensitive to, eat regular meals, foods in moderation
• rest and pacing
• relaxation
• be aware of fluctuating energy levels.
  

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