Product Description

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating illness, characterised by severe exhaustion and flu-like symptoms affecting possibly 10 per cent of the UK population, for which conventional medicine currently has no cure. Now the authors, who practise at the CFS Research and Treatment Unit, University of London, have developed this new self-help guide. Via recognised CBT techniques that change our attitude and coping strategies, this approach is successful in breaking the cycle of fatigue, with a reduction in symptoms and disability in up to two-thirds of sufferers. The key features of the book include: improving sleep patterns; practical strategies for balancing activity and rest; dealing with blocks to recovery; stress and ways of coping; and how relatives and friends can help.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #104734 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-23
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

The Psychologist
The well-respected authors approach the often controversial topic of chronic fatigue syndrome in a way that is functional

About the Author
Professor Chalder is the author of Overcoming Chronic Fatigue, along with Mary Burgess. She is currently Professor of CBT and Director of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research and Treatment Unit at King's College, London. She has worked as a researcher and clinician in the area of CFS in adults and children for about 19 years. She and her colleagues developed the CBT treatment of CFS, which has been evaluated in a number of clinical research trials with positive outcomes. Dr Burgess, author of Overcoming Chronic Fatigue, has worked as a therapist in the area of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) for more than ten years. She is both a clinician and a researcher, at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine in London. Much of her research has been into ways of bringing treatment to CFS patients who, because of their illness, have difficulty attending her clinics. She is currently working as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist at the School's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research and Treatment Unit.

Customer Reviews

Of little help for ME sufferers
Mary Burgess is a very likeable person and sensitively diagnosed my own ME a few years ago. On first reading this book I was reasonably impressed overall, but flummoxed at the extraordinarily simplistic way of describing ME symptoms and how all symptoms are apparently being either caused or maintained by 'too much rest'!

In summary this is a great book on self-help using CBT (for anyone who might find this approach appropriate for them) but a very poor book on treating/overcoming ME/CFS.

Overcoming? No. Managing? Maybe.
I found this book to be useful in terms of managing Chronic Fatigue, though it has in no way "overcome" it.

The assertion throughout that ME/CFS is a condition solely maintained (though not necessarily caused) by wrong thinking seems both simplistic and, frankly, prehistoric. Whilst managing activity can be used very effectively to overcome Post-Viral Fatigue (quite a different condition to ME/CFS), it can ... at very best ... only help in the management of people with ME/CFS as it counsels the reader to moderate their activity, thus avoiding the tendency to overdo things when feeling well, and evening out the "boom" and "bust" roller coaster experienced by many people living with the condition. Sadly it does not address, in any satisfactory sense, the cognitive issues arising from the condition.

A useful book for maintaining an even level of physical health, but don't for one moment think that what is offered is a cure for ME/CFS ... because it isn't.

In summary I would advise avoiding this book if you have any self-esteem issues about your experiences with ME/CFS ... there is no validation here, just a long winded exhortation to "pull yourself together".

Big mistake
Too much rest!!! I was diagnosed with ME by Prof. T Daymond and Dr B. Hyde. I have a history of brain dysfunction after climbing at altitude in the alps and the Tien Shan. Like most people with ME fatigue is not my prime symptom. I am now waiting to see a neurologist as the thinking is that my exercise regime has caused hypoxic brain damage. This book is best avoided and the nightingale definition of ME used instead for diagnosis and treatment.