How effective is treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia at RCBM?
Medication Management
Joel Young, MD, RCBM's medical director and founder, has authored the book Understanding and Treating Chronic Fatigue: A Practical Guide for Patients, Families, and Practitioners. In it, he describes his work with long-acting stimulant medications that force many of the physical symptoms experienced in CFS into retreat. Treatment with lisdexamphetamine (LDX), a long-acting stimulant, was studied in the Clinical Trials Group at RCBM.
The participants in this study were between the ages of 21 and 59. All the subjects were female except for one. Two groups were randomly assigned: one group to the active agent (LDX) and the other half to a placebo. Over six weeks, global CFS symptoms respond favorably to LDX. Compared to a placebo, LDX improved cognitive deficits. In addition, subjects treated with LDX reported less fatigue and general anxiety, along with a significant decrease in physical pain.
Psychotherapy
Clients who participate in individual therapy work with their therapist to gain insight and increase coping skills to improve general mental health. In addition, individuals with CFS are prone to taking shallow, rapid breaths rather than slow, deep breaths. Regular meditation can help patients with CFS or fibromyalgia get into a more natural, healthy breathing rhythm while feeling a sense of peace and calm. This practice, along with the other techniques discussed above, will enhance your mental and physical health. Several clinical studies indicate that integrative therapies can help patients cope and manage pain, minimize stress and anxiety, and gain an overall sense of control over their mind and body.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Clinical improvements in CFS and fibromyalgia were observed after following various diets, including a diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., plant-based and Mediterranean-style diets), a low FODMAP diet, a gluten-free diet, or an anti-inflammatory diet (gluten-free, with elimination of sugar, dairy, and processed foods).
An unhealthy gut microbiota can affect macronutrient digestion and the absorption of minerals and vitamins. A lack of beneficial bacteria can alter the production of gut microbiota metabolites, such as SCFAs (e.g., butyrate) and secondary bile acids. This can affect gut sensitivity, permeability, and immune response, contributing to low-grade inflammation.
Essential fatty acids are found in several foods: meats and dairy products, fish and seafood, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The amount of essential fatty acids in meat and dairy products is reasonably small compared to the total fat (especially saturated fat) in these foods. In contrast, omega-6 fatty acids, through their conversion in the body to other substrates, are implicated in autoimmune diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.
