How is chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia treated at RCBM?
At RCBM, we provide integrated, collaborative care for CFS. We integrate medication management, psychotherapy, and medical nutrition therapy, which all work together to give you the relief you have been desperately seeking. RCBM has published three peer-reviewed papers examining the treatment of chronic fatigue, including fatigue associated with attention-deficit disorder.
Medication Management
Before medication is prescribed, you will undergo diagnostic screening to better understand your presenting issues. This will help customize your treatment plan with the appropriate medication management solution. Dr. Joel Young, MD, RCBM's medical director, is strongly interested in CFS and has published the book Understanding and Treating Chronic Fatigue: A Practical Guide for Patients, Families, and Practitioners. (Praeger, 2020). In addition to lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic treatments for individuals with CFS are presented that include the use of long-acting stimulants such as lisdexamphetamine (LDX) in the management of chronic fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, and sleep problems associated with ME/CFS. Several FDA-approved medications are available for fibromyalgia. A new treatment option Tonmya— low-dose cyclobenzaprine — has recently received FDA approval and will become available in late November. Our clinic will be among the first in Michigan to incorporate this therapy into a broader treatment framework for fibromyalgia.
Psychotherapy
For individuals suffering from both CFS and fibromyalgia, psychotherapy is a meaningful addition to antidepressant medications. Individual psychotherapy is an approach in which all therapists at Rochester Center are highly trained. The connection of a patient to a thoughtful therapist can be powerful. Our therapists can explore your feelings about your condition and can help you identify and neutralize negative thought patterns.
RCBM also uses mind-body-focused therapy. Mind-body medicine focuses on the brain's connections to the body and how emotions, verbalizations, behaviors, and spirituality directly affect health and well-being. It is a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic practice that enhances awareness of thoughts and actions to improve self-esteem and self-confidence, and allows one to live the life one desires.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Our registered dietitians will assess your diet and develop a personalized nutrition plan to alleviate your symptoms. A thorough assessment paves the way for a successful nutrition counseling experience. A review of food intake and behaviors, an evaluation of the meal plan, and further information are provided at follow-up appointments. Medical nutrition therapy is a crucial part of managing CFS and fibromyalgia, as certain foods can alleviate symptoms of CFS and fibromyalgia while other foods may exacerbate symptoms. Diet is an integral part of CFS and fibromyalgia management that should not be ignored.
