TY - JOUR
T1 - Chronic fatigue syndromes
T2 - real illnesses that people can recover from
AU - Alme, Tomas Nordheim
AU - Andreasson, Anna
AU - Asprusten, Tarjei T. rre
AU - Bakken, Anne Karen
AU - Beadsworth, Michael B. J.
AU - Boye, Birgitte
AU - Brodal, Per Alf
AU - Brodwall, Elias Myrstad
AU - Brurberg, Kjetil Gundro
AU - Bugge, Ingrid
AU - Chalder, Trudie
AU - Due, Reidar
AU - Eriksen, Hege Randi
AU - Fink, Per Klausen
AU - Flottorp, Signe Agnes
AU - Fors, Egil Andreas
AU - Jensen, B. rd Fossli
AU - Fundingsrud, Hans Petter
AU - Garner, Paul
AU - Havdal, Lise Beier
AU - Helgeland, Helene
AU - Jacobsen, Henrik B. rsting
AU - Johnson, Georg Espolin
AU - Jonsjö, Martin
AU - Knoop, Hans
AU - Landmark, Live
AU - Launes, Gunvor
AU - Lekander, Mats
AU - Linnros, Hannah
AU - Lindsäter, Elin
AU - Liira, Helena
AU - Linnestad, Lina
AU - Loge, Jon H. vard
AU - Lyby, Peter Solvoll
AU - Malik, Sadaf
AU - Malt, Ulrik Fredrik
AU - Moe, Trygve
AU - Norlin, Anna-Karin
AU - Pedersen, Maria
AU - Pignatiello, Siv Elin
AU - Rask, Charlotte Ulrikka
AU - Reme, Silje Endresen
AU - Roksund, Gisle
AU - Sainio, Markku
AU - Sharpe, Michael
AU - Thorkildsen, Ruth Foseide
AU - van Roy, Betty
AU - Vandvik, Per Olav
AU - Vogt, Henrik
AU - Wyller, Hedda Bratholm
AU - Wyller, Vegard Bruun Bratholm
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - The ‘Oslo Chronic Fatigue Consortium’ consists of researchers and clinicians who question the current narrative that chronic fatigue syndromes, including post-covid conditions, are incurable diseases. Instead, we propose an alternative view, based on research, which offers more hope to patients. Whilst we regard the symptoms of these conditions as real, we propose that they are more likely to reflect the brain's response to a range of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than a specific disease process. Possible causes include persistent activation of the neurobiological stress response, accompanied by associated changes in immunological, hormonal, cognitive and behavioural domains. We further propose that the symptoms are more likely to persist if they are perceived as threatening, and all activities that are perceived to worsen them are avoided. We also question the idea that the best way to cope with the illness is by prolonged rest, social isolation, and sensory deprivation.Instead, we propose that recovery is often possible if patients are helped to adopt a less threatening understanding of their symptoms and are supported in a gradual return to normal activities. Finally, we call for a much more open and constructive dialogue about these conditions. This dialogue should include a wider range of views, including those of patients who have recovered from them.
AB - The ‘Oslo Chronic Fatigue Consortium’ consists of researchers and clinicians who question the current narrative that chronic fatigue syndromes, including post-covid conditions, are incurable diseases. Instead, we propose an alternative view, based on research, which offers more hope to patients. Whilst we regard the symptoms of these conditions as real, we propose that they are more likely to reflect the brain's response to a range of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than a specific disease process. Possible causes include persistent activation of the neurobiological stress response, accompanied by associated changes in immunological, hormonal, cognitive and behavioural domains. We further propose that the symptoms are more likely to persist if they are perceived as threatening, and all activities that are perceived to worsen them are avoided. We also question the idea that the best way to cope with the illness is by prolonged rest, social isolation, and sensory deprivation.Instead, we propose that recovery is often possible if patients are helped to adopt a less threatening understanding of their symptoms and are supported in a gradual return to normal activities. Finally, we call for a much more open and constructive dialogue about these conditions. This dialogue should include a wider range of views, including those of patients who have recovered from them.
KW - Chronic fatigue syndrome
KW - Chronic illness narrative
KW - Long Covid
KW - Multidimensional explanations
KW - Myalgic encephalomyelitis
KW - Patient-centered care
KW - Rehabilitation strategies
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85171970016&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2023.2235609
DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2023.2235609
M3 - Article
C2 - 37740918
SN - 0281-3432
VL - 41
SP - 372
EP - 376
JO - Scandinavian journal of primary health care
JF - Scandinavian journal of primary health care
IS - 4
ER -