Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- A Guide by Dr Adrian Winbow MB BS FRCPsych DPM
Introduction
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which is also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or post viral fatigue syndrome is well recognised in the press and also the media. People with this condition have profound fatigue after exercise, muscle pain, disturbance of sleep pattern, faulty temperature control, memory disturbance and poor concentration and frequent headaches. The mean length of the illness is 4 1/2 years and it can affect both sexes and all ages. The cause is unknown but it is often thought to be associated with a viral infection or considerable stress in the person's life.
Diagnosis
There are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis but to make the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome the illness needs to have continued for at least six months and all other physical and psychological causes need to be eliminated.
Treatment available
Dr Winbow and the therapists are trained to deal with people with chronic fatigue syndrome. They offer a non judgmental holistic approach to the illness and it has been shown from various research papers three forms of treatment are particularly useful for this syndrome. The concept of "pacing" is very effective in that the person on a good day is able to do more and on a bad day has to rest. Cognitive behavioural therapy is also effective for this illness and is designed to change the person's attitude and to develop a more positive approach to the illness in general. Anti depressants may also be useful for certain people.
Any medical treatment is designed to suit the person's specific symptoms and may involve improving the sleep pattern, improving symptoms of anxiety and depression, bowel symptoms and allergies. In some cases physiotherapy will be used to improve mobilisation after the person is fully assessed in terms of their physical ability.
Referrals
Referrals normally come from the person's family doctor although consultant specialists in the health service and private sector and also NHS purchasing authorities can refer patients.
Out patient treatment
Trained therapists who have experience in chronic fatigue syndrome can provide out patient treatment with training in lifestyle management, pacing, grade activity and exercise programmes and cognitive behavioural therapy. Lifestyle management provides information on how to manage day to day living and improve functional ability. Many people after discharge, benefit from telephone consultations with a therapist and this means that people can travel from long distances for treatment and still receive follow up, after discharge, by telephone.
Treatment Outcome
By using these modem treatment approaches, seventy to eighty per cent of people can see an improvement in symptoms after completing the course of treatment.
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Adrian Winbow
Dr Adrian Winbow is a Consultant Psychiatrist and has been in independent private psychiatric practice since 1986. He runs out patient clinics in London, Croydon, Brentwood, Orpington, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
He is a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and holds a Diploma in Psychological Medicine. He has worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the South East initially in the National Health Service since 1978 and still sees a variety of out patients in private medical/surgical hospitals every day as well as having in Patients and day patients. His special interests include depressive illness, alcohol mis use, chronic fatigue syndromes and also eating disorders. His approach to psychiatric treatment is fairly eclectic and ranging from the use of psychotropic medication through psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy as well as relaxation techniques, anxiety management and hypnosis.
For appointments
Phone : (01732) 836320 and ask for the Practice Manager Tania Harding