Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome – also known as CFIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), and other names – is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest.
Note: Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia share a number of symptoms, and the names are often used interchangeably in the medical literature; for a discussion of the differences and similarities, see this article from the Arthritis Foundation.
CFIDS Association of America
The website of this nonprofit organization provides a wealth of information for and about people with CFIDS. Included are resources for patients, family and friends, youth, medical professionals, media, support groups, legal issues, and a reading list, as well as an extensive separate section on advocacy resources. Archived issues of The CFIDS Chronicle and The CFS Research Review are also included.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Sponsored by the National Center for Infectious Diseases, this authoritative, consumer-oriented website provides information about what CFS is and how it is treated. There is an extensive guide to support groups, as well as some more technical reports and research.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A basic overview from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This web site by David A. Hall, M.D., a (former) physician who has CFIDS. While Dr. Hall’s website does not present the objectivity or professionalism of a government agency or legitimate nonprofit organization, it does provide a readable, personal, professional, and alternative perspective on this little-know disease. His discussion of treatment focuses on nutrition, environmental, and alternative medicine. The short page on applying for disability insurance is invaluable for its frankness.
For Parents of Sick and Worn-Out Children
Like Dr. Hall’s site (see above), this is a readable and worthwhile personal website. It is the place to go for information about everyday issues as opposed to the latest medical information. Developed by Frank Albrecht, Ph.D.from Johns Hopkins, a clinical mental health counselor whose daughter has CFIDS, topics covered include medical basics, disability basics, experiences of sick and worn-out children and their families, schools and education, dealing with pediatricians and other doctors, and family life and emotional development.
Listening to CFIDS
A support resource for people with CFIDS, this site includes personal narratives, message boards, pen pal & relationship search, and information about finding support online.
National CFIDS Foundation
This volunteer-based organization, which funds medical research and provides information, offers research news, a quarterly newsletter, an online library of informational materials (including many full-text items) about relevant topics, and much more.
Related subjects:
Fibromyalgia
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