Even though chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects about a million people in California and the rest of the United States, there are many unknowns about the conditions. The condition, which is most common in women between the ages of 40 and 60, can lead to a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog and emotional problems.
Only about 5 to 10 percent of people with CFS recover from the symptoms, meaning it is often a chronic condition. Luckily, though, new research has suggested that as high as 20 percent of CFS sufferers can put a stop to their symptoms with ongoing medical treatment combined with exercise therapy or cognitive therapy.
The research suggests that the best exercise therapy starts with low-intensity movements that don’t make fatigue or other symptoms worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on goal-orientated guidance also has been proven helpful. The two treatments can even be combined and include changes to diet and nutrition for the best outcome.
Hopefully as researchers continue to study CFS they keep learning more about the disease and how to treat it. Unfortunately, at this point it can be difficult for CFS sufferers to obtain Social Security Disability benefits because so little is known about the condition. These individuals often must work closely with their doctors to have their conditions properly documented.
Social Security Disability benefits are designed to supplement the income that is lost due to a serious and long-term medical condition that prevents a person from being gainfully employed. In order to obtain benefits, the Social Security Administration must approve a person’s condition under their regulations.
Source: The Wichita Eagle, “Drs. Oz and Roizen: New treatments ease chronic fatigue syndrome for some,” Drs. Oz and Roizen, Feb. 25, 2013
