Recent Research
Research articles
Treatment for ME/CFS
- Details
- Last Updated: 02 March 2016 02 March 2016
Articles
General
Complementary and Alternative Treatment Approaches
The Severely Ill/Lowest Functioning Patient: Special Considerations—see pages 27-28 of ME/CFS: A Primer for Clinical Practitioners
Exercise
A Minimal and Achievable Exercise Program
Exercise and CFIDS by Diane Gallagher, a certified fitness instructor
Exercise and ME/CFS mitochondrial dysfunction
Nutrition
Improve your overall state of health and well-being
Treatment Guides
ME/CFS: A Primer for Clinical Practitioners
Clinical Guides for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia
Reviews of Books about ME/CFS Treatment
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition by Erica F. Verrillo, 2012, E-book format
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Illnesses—The Comprehensive Guide, by Katrina Berne, Ph.D., 2001, ISBN: 0897932803
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, From F.I.N.E. to Feeling Better, by Nancy Fowler and Lisa Ball, 2010, ISBN: 1882883683
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies, by Dr. Susan R. Lisman, 2007, ISBN: 0470117729
Pain Free 1-2-3: A Proven Program for Eliminating Chronic Pain Now, by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, 2005, ISBN: 0071464573.
Sciatica Solutions: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Cure of Spinal and Piriformis Problems, by Loren Fishman, MD and Carol Ardman, 2006, ISBN: 0393330419.
Trigger Point Therapy for Low Back Pain: A Self-treatment Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook), by Sharon Sauer, CMTPT, LMT and Mary Biancalana, MS, CMTPT, LMT, 2009, ISBN: 1572245638.
Differential Diagnosis between ME/CFS and Other Conditions
- Details
- Last Updated: 20 January 2016 20 January 2016
ME/CFS often appears similar to several different and distinct illnesses. The following section will assist patients and health care providers distinguish other illnesses from ME/CFS. It is critical not to misdiagnose ME/CFS as another illness, nor diagnose another illness as ME/CFS.
See pages 14-16 of the ME/CFS: A Primer for Clinical Practitioners for an overview of what clinicians should be considering as differential diagnoses. The most common conditions confused with ME/CFS are listed below, with descriptions in "patient" language.
ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia
ME/CFS and Multiple Sclerosis
ME/CFS and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
ME/CFS and Chronic Lyme Disease
American Lyme Disease Foundation —ALDF is active in media outreach, education (medical and public) and research programs.
A Personal Journey into Lyme Disease
Book review of Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Disease Epidemic by Pamela Weintraub
Chronic Lyme Disease Diagnosis stirs Controversy
Dr. Sam Donta: The Interface of Chronic Lyme Disease, CFS and FM
Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses on the rise!
Lyme Disease Association (LDA)— Organization dedicated to Lyme Disease education, prevention, and the raising of research funds.Various educational brochures and primers available at their website.
Lyme Disease Network (LymeNET)—Comprehensive website offering online library, listing of national support groups, and a user forum.
ME/CFS and Chronic Lyme Disease
Sturbridge Lyme Awareness of Massachusetts (SLAM)
Symptoms Common to Lyme Disease and CFIDS
ME/CFS and Chiari Malformation
CFS/FM and Chiari Malformation Surgery
ME/CFS and Chiari Malformation
ME/CFS and Psychiatric Disorders
See pages 16-17 of the ME/CFS: A Primer for Clinical Practitioners.
1994 Definition and Overlap with Psychiatric Conditions
CFS Distinguished from Depression in Boston-based Study
Dr. Komaroff Publishes Article Demonstrating that CFIDS Is A Physical and Not A Psychiatric Illness
ME/CFS and Psychiatric Disorders
On the Morbid Fascination with Psychiatric Morbidity by Dr. Alan Gurwitt, a pioneer ME/CFS psychiatrist, who clearly explains the distinctions between ME/CFS and psychiatric illnesses.
ME/CFS and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
CFIDS and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
American Academy of Environmental Medicine—A physician's organization—you can search for members who practice environmental medicine in your area.
Chemical Injury Information Network—Provides information and referral to members; publishes a monthly newsletter. Maintains a library on chemical injury.
Human Ecology Action League, Inc.—Information clearinghouse with chapters and support groups around the country.
Massachusetts Association for the Chemically Injured (MACI)—Information, referral and support for people with MCS. Also holds monthly meetings and publishes a newsletter.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Referrals and Resources—A wealth of information for patients and health care providers.
National Center for Environmental Health Strategies—Focuses on initiating change and empowering the public with hard data, such as medical, legal, and policy information. Provides information on gaining accommodations at work and school.
ME/CFS and Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Post-exertional Malaise and ME/CFS
ME/CFS and Sjögren's Syndrome
Oral complications in Sjögren's Syndrome and chronic Dry Mouth
Links to lists of Health Care Providers outside of Massachusetts
- Details
- Last Updated: 24 April 2024 24 April 2024
Since we focus primarily on Massachusetts we don't have any personal knowledge of doctors in other states.
These links list doctors (or links to lists of doctors) who are knowledgeable about both FM and ME/CFS that you might find helpful in finding a doctor near you. Please see:
http://www.cfstreatmentguide.com/doctors-and-clinics.html
https://cfsknowledgecenter.com/local-resources/
https://www.ilads.org/patient-care/provider-search/ This is a contact form where you can request names of "Lyme-aware" physicians. We highly recommend this organization for information about Lyme disease.
We wish you the best on your journey toward better health.
More Articles ...
Notice about names
The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS.
Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.