by Adrian Perkasa

Created on: September 18, 2008

The first and the most important step to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patient is to identifying the disorder itself. Since chronic fatigue syndrome characterized by numerous symptoms without specific pathognomonic features and specific laboratory finding, it is very important to exclude other illness to make final diagnosis, and points the dominant symptoms of patient.

Drug intervention is necessary in almost all case, and many CFS symptoms respond to treatment. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs may be helpful to alleviate headache and diffuse pain. Patient also may experienced allergic rhinitis and sore throat, antihistamines and decongestants intervention sometimes helpful. It is also important to informed patient about other alternative drugs. There are many alternative drugs available in market today, patient must be guided away from unreasonable and harmful drugs.

Mild to severe depression is present in two-third of patients and sometimes physician needs expert psychiatric assessment to support treatment plan. For CFS patient with severe depression symptom, nonsedating antidepressants intervention is a must. Patient will feels improvements after having nonsedating antidepressants, but patient must be informed about importance of behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are the key role of CHF treatment. Since sleep disturbances are common, patient should be advised to avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine consumption at night. Physician also have to build up proper self image, and encourage patient to continue their daily activity.

Some patient with severe depression needs total rest from daily activity for refreshment, but physician should encourage patient to do his daily activity again after taking total rest for a while. Prolonged total rest may leads to self image of being invalid and worsen exhaustion, physician must promote patient to efforts improvement.

Some alternative psychology training has been proven to be useful to maintain proper self image, such as Reiki, Yoga, and Hypnotherapy. Patient are free to choose the best training for himself, under guidance from physician.

Physician and patient also have to identify other condition leads or worsen exhaustion. Some research suggest changes in immune parameters, hormone disturbances, and persistent virus infection linked to CFS. Physician should advised patient to have routine daily exercise and healthy diet to support patient's health.

There are no specific laboratory test to measure CFS severity or conclude therapeutic improvement. Patient should be under physician's watch until patient already able to manage his exhausted feelings. Physician - patient communication is necessary for treatment, and should be continued for follow up after recovery.

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