New Research Confirms Powerful Cause for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

New Research Confirms Powerful Cause for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

November 21, 2006 |13,253views| + Add to Favorites

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Two new studies suggest that traumatic events in childhood, as well as stress at any period in life, has been associated with the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
In one study, researchers compared the physical and mental health of 43 CFS patients with 60 healthy individuals.
Among the many assessments, both groups were questioned about five kinds of trauma they experienced in childhood. CFS patients had higher trauma scores than those without it.
Exposure to traumatic events multiplied a patient's risk of succumbing to CFS as much as eightfold. CFS patients were also more likely to have psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A second study evaluated the incidence of CFS among some 19,000 Swedish twins (some 1,600 patients suffered from it). In two of the analyses performed, emotional instability and stress were connected to CFS. And, in one comparing a CFS patient to his or her twin without it, a stressful life increased a person's risk of the disease by 500 percent.
CFS affects between 400,000 and 900,000 U.S. adults, and is characterized by unexplained fatigue that lasts for at least six months, fails to get better with rest, and interferes with daily activities. It is also accompanied by at least some of the following additional symptoms: extreme fatigue after exertion, difficulties with memory and concentration, unrefreshing sleep, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, sore throat, or tender lymph nodes.

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

I have long stated that chronic fatigue is related to emotional challenges incurred in early childhood, typically below the age of 5. Now two major studies have been published that support this view, although clearly there are also other factors involved, as not everyone with childhood trauma develops these problems. Traumatic events, stress and negative emotions not only contribute mightily to the development of CFS, but they can also affect your overall physical health in general. That really is good news, though, as there are incredibly effective tools that help permanently resolve this. I have had enormous success with patients with energy psychology tools like the Emotional Freedom Technique, as it typically can easily and rapidly address these issues. One of my readers who has had experience working with CFS made the following comment on these studies: "It further supports the idea that childhood trauma, and emotional state in general, is closely connected to CFS." We have recently launched Vital Votes. If you want to comment on this article you can go to the page where it was originally posted to post your comment and review other comments. You will also be able to vote on the comments, but you will need to register first.