CFS and Depression

[Homeopathic Doctor]

How to differentiate Chronic Fatigfue Syndrome and DEPRESSION? A person, who, at some age, feels inability to complete an assignment may show symptoms of CFS, but it would be a simple case of depression...isn't it? Any feedback!!!
Zaidee

[Helen Tucker]

I have had ME/CFS for 16 years. The preferred name for the disease is
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

It is actually quite easy to differentiate ME/CFS from Depression.

1. Depression gets better after exercise. The person may not WANT to
exercise, but if they are forced to exercise, they get a little bit more
energy both immediately and in the long term.

People with ME/CFS get markedly worse after exercise. This person may want
very much to exercise, and often they try it eagerly. But usually 24-48
hours later, they "crash." They become unable to function normally.
Exercise intolerance is a hallmark symptom of ME/CFS.
2. Lack of motivation is the hallmark symptom of depression. They can do
stuff, but they don't WANT to do stuff. Nothing makes them happy.

ME/CFS folks WANT very much to do stuff. They may be afraid to do stuff for
fear of crashing. But they WANT to do it. Doing things makes them happy.
3. Sometimes, people have both ME/CFS and depression at the same time. If
this is the case, go back to #1. Can they exercise? I mean, really push
themselves hard physically. If yes, it's depression. If no, it's ME/CFS.
Feel free to ask anything about ME/CFS. I'll be happy to offer my
perspective.

Helen

[Shannon Nelson]

Helen -- are you familiar with the adrenal connection? (This isn't relevant to homeopathic treatment, but can be useful information along the lines of removing "lifestyle errors", obstacle to cure, and to help with self-management in tandem with the remedy (or "between remedies").

Best summary and therapeutic guidance I have read (possibly there are others as good now?) is at www.adrenalfatigue.org , and his book Adrenal Fatigue, which spells out connections between adrenal function and a number of conditions, including CFS. (Also allergies, asthma, IBS, and other inflammatory and immune conditions.)

Treating / supporting the adrenal angle can be much simpler and more effective than going after its various manifestations...
Shannon

[deborah]

i have adrenal fatigue (recovering from it) and i have always wondered if i was really just depressed. Exactly what helen said in her post -- a person with CFS has depressive type symptoms becasue they CANT do things. I know for me, it puts me into a great funk when i feel like i cant do normal things like everyone else. So for me , its important to feel accomplished and fulfilled in thigns that i CAN do. (for example - being able to do the laundry makes me feel good

However, i do want to point out - that with CFS and Adrenal issues -- there are imbalances -- and therefore there might be real depressive symptoms -- and a regular doctor might perscribe meds to help with it. (same goes with anxiety) - but i must tell you - that the underlying issue is NOT depression (or anxiety) but a physiological issue which causes a side effect of depression.

Hope i was able to shed some light on the issue -
good luck !!!!

deb