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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

The experience of chronic fatigue syndrome varies from person to person. For many people, however, the symptoms are more bothersome early in the course of the illness and then gradually decrease. Some people recover completely with time. Emotional support and counseling may help you and your loved ones deal with the uncertainties and restrictions of chronic fatigue syndrome.

You may find it therapeutic to join a support group and meet other people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Support groups aren't for everyone, and you may find that a support group adds to your stress rather than relieving it. Experiment and use your own judgment to determine what's best for you.

References
  1. Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-3/833235176/1492/1050.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50300-1_13277. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  2. Engleberg CN. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Mandell, GL, et al. Mandell, Bennett, & Dolin: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-5/833235546/1259/1004.html#4-u1.0-B0-443-06643-4..50130-6_4604. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  3. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  4. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Possible causes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfscauses.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  5. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Who's at risk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfsatrisk.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  6. Marshall GS, et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome.. In: Long SS, et al., eds. Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-6/0/1679/204.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50203-4--chapter1. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  7. Gluckman SJ. Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  8. Teitelbaum J. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Rakel RE. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-7/833236431/1494/94.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50051-X_2429. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  9. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Treatment options. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfstreatmentHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  10. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Support groups. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssupport.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  11. Patel G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for noncancer pain. Medical Clinics of North America. 2007;91:141.

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June 19, 2009

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