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.
