Q&A- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Q:Can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression be related and how are these

conditions treated?

A:Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and depression share many of the same symptoms

but are not necessarily related. Symptoms of each include poor sleep, loss of appetite,

tiredness, reduced libido, low energy and depressed mood.

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy as well as antidepressant

medication are effective treatments of choice with depression. Causation in CFS, however, is

different but may also respond to antidepressant medication. The risk here is that the

root cause of CFS may be masked and the real illness will go undiagnosed and untreated

effectively.

CFS may be a result of undiagnosed medical problems such as lyme disease, hormonal

disturbances etc. If you have tiredness not relieved by sleep, poor sleep, joint pains and

a feeling of malaise or flu-like symptoms it could be CFS and a thorough medical workup

by someone who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of CFS is recommended.

Susan S. Woods, Ph.D.

700 McClellan St ♦ Schenectady, NY 12304 ♦ (518) 372-0166

825 Riverview Rd ♦ Rexford, NY  12148