Terms
& Conditions of Use
Prognosis
Factors in M.E./C.F.S.
Research
Studies on Recovery Rates in M.E./C.F.S.
References
Given the nature of the illness it is extremely hard to predict recovery rates in ME, CFS However, in 1996, in the UK, research was carried out by a group of experts who looked into factors that might have an impact upon the prognosis for ME, CFS sufferers. Despite a certain amount of disagreement, the group concluded that:
"Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition which is not fully understood…Because of this, it is not possible to define concrete sets of favourable or unfavourable prognoses…in each case there can often be conflicting favourable and adverse factors interacting to determine the overall outcome."[1]
Despite this, are there any rough guides to factors which may help predict my outcome?
According to the group, a good prognosis is thought to be more likely when:
§ There is a clear and definite history of acute viral illness (especially glandular fever), in the absence of any psychological disorders.
§ The patient receives an early diagnosis, and steps are taken to eliminate linked physical disorders and identifies/addresses any treatable psychological disorders.
§ Symptoms indicate that the patient is making some pattern of gradual recovery.
§ There is a management regime which tackles any physical, psychological, and social factors. Such management regimes focus on lifestyle modification, achieving a balance between overactivity and deconditioning, and strives towards the goal of functional improvement, whilst at the same time addressing maintaining factors such as depression or sleep disturbance.[2]
A poor prognosis, according to the group, is thought to be more likely when:
§ Symptoms develop in a gradual manner, in the absence of any clear triggering factor, and with a complex background of psychological and social factors.
§ The onset of the condition occurs after a particularly severe infective illness such as meningitis.
§ There is a management regime which places too much emphasis on rest or advocates an overly-rapid return to patient's prior levels of activity; or neglects the need to treat any related features such as depression or sleep disturbance.
§ Patients fail to obtain an early diagnosis or diagnose themselves.
§ Sufferers experience severe and unremitting symptoms for greater than four years. [3]
What about other research studies?
In the last few years, there have been several studies published in medical journals on the progress of ME, CFS sufferers over time. These include:
§ A Belfast clinic where 19% reported a complete degree of recovery. The majority experienced a varying course of relapses and remissions, with 5% recording a worsening of symptoms. The study seemed to suggest that younger patients had a greater chance of recovery.[4]
§ A one-year study at a London infectious disease hospital, where 64% of 137 patients reported a certain level of improvement. 21% remained the same and 15% deteriorated.[5]
§ An American study in which 64% of patients reported a certain degree of improvement. Only 2% experienced a complete recovery, with 40% remaining unable to work.[6]
§ In an Australian research trial, 6% of patients managed to recover after 3 years. Almost 50% remained incapable to work and approximately 33% were not able to undertake physical activity.[7]
Although these findings seem negative, care should be taken when reading them. This is because the patients that have taken part in many of these studies generally tend to be those who are more severely affected by the condition and who have consequently been referred to specialist clinics (Shepherd, 1999).
Regardless of which group you can identify with, it is important to try and remain positive - people have recovered from the illness after long periods of time. Attempt to take on board the restrictions the illness has placed on you, modify your lifestyle accordingly and resist the temptation to struggle on.[8]
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