Understanding the link between chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder

Dr Minakshi Manchanda, Associate Director-Psychiatry, Asian Hospital, Faridabad said, "Also known as Myalgia encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex and debilitating medical condition characterised by persistent fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances and muscle pain."

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome and treatment is focused on symptom relief. (Source: Freepik)

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Every year on May 12, World Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day is observed in memory of Florence Nightingale (to coincide with her birth anniversary). From 1857 till her death in 1910, she suffered from a fatigue-related ailment similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia. As such, the day is commemorated to create awareness among the public about the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures related to this medical condition. It aims to improve the quality of life of a person struggling with CFS and ensure that there are facilities to treat this chronic ailment.

“Also known as Myalgia encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex and debilitating medical condition characterised by persistent fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and muscle pain. The cause of CFS is not fully understood and diagnosis requires ruling out other potential medical explanations for the symptoms,” said Dr Minakshi Manchanda, Associate Director-Psychiatry, Asian Hospital, Faridabad.

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She added that although the precise origin of CFS is unknown, psychological stress, immune system dysfunction, and viral infections are among the potential risk factors. The signs and symptoms which indicate a person is suffering from CFS include joint pain, memory loss, lack of concentration, headaches and irritability, extreme tiredness and dizziness, sleep problems, depression, stress and anxiety, nausea, flu-like symptoms, and muscle aches.

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Currently, there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome and treatment is focused on symptom relief. “CFS treatment options can range from medication and other therapies to a mix of dietary adjustments, activity control, and rest,” said Dr Manchanda.

The cause of CFS is not fully understood and diagnosis requires ruling out other potential medical explanations for the symptoms. (Source: Freepik)

What is the link between chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Explaining what PTSD entails, Dr Manchanda said, “It is a mental health condition that develops in some individuals after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterised by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviour, negative changes in mood and cognition and hyperarousal.

As far as the connection between the two disorders is concerned, the expert said that some PTSD sufferers may also have chronic fatigue syndrome. “Moreover, there are some similarities between the symptoms of the two conditions. However, both are distinct from one another and can also occur apart.”

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Adding to this, Vishnu Priya Bhagirath, a counselling psychologist said, “Patients suffering from CFS have significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms, lower levels of psychological well-being and more traumatic life events compared to the non-fatigued patients. CFS patients are more likely to have had traumatic events in their life, which leads to this diagnosis. This is more prevalent in toddlers and people from ages 11-20. Also, in both ailments there is the release of cortisol (stress hormone), which can spike any time, causing sleep difficulties, which can lead to fatigue.”

Concluding, Dr Manchanda said, “To alleviate symptoms linked with PTSD and chronic fatigue syndrome, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, stress-reduction techniques, lifestyle changes, and support from family and friends.”

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