- 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
- Resources in your state
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