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Books about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
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- Last Updated: 20 November 2015 20 November 2015
The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association does not assume any responsibility for the outcome of treatments or other self-care strategies described in any of the listed books, that might be undertaken by readers and we recommend individuals always consult with their healthcare providers before trying any new treatment, supplement, or healthcare product.
This article was updated in 2015.
Faces of CFS by Dr. David S. Bell (available as E-book)
The original release of this book was in 2000 as a hardcopy. It is a compilation of 10 case histories of patients with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/tion Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalopathy and Fibromyalgia (CFS/ME and FM). Dr. Bell has developed a keen insight about the reality of this illness which he shares as stories about these patients in a professional yet caring way. He is now offering Faces of CFS as a free E-book. To download a copy of this book, click here .
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, From F.I.N.E. to Feeling Better, by Nancy Fowler and Lisa Ball, 2010, ISBN: 1882883683
A new book is out by Nancy Fowler and Lisa Ball titled, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, From F.I.N.E. to Feeling Better. The authors are long-time patients with Fibromyalgia (FM). This book is an easy read loaded with good, sensible information. It is an excellent resource for newly diagnosed people as it explains the bumpy path along the ME/CFS or FM highway.
There is an overall theme that these illnesses rob patients of their everyday life and hence the authors have chosen to label them both "The Thief." They are clear that both illnesses are different but do have many overlapping symptoms. They also list many of the different names that have been bestowed to ME/CFS and FM over the years, whether correctly applied or not.
The F.I.N.E. stands for Frustrated, Irritated, Nauseated, Exhausted. That may put some folks off, but don't let it. As orchestrated as F.I.N.E. may sound, it is a very good read. Many long-time patients may pick up some good information in these pages. The book covers an overview of the illnesses, the issues surrounding the symptoms, various treatment options including alternative ones, the best way to get the most from your doctor's appointment, coping strategies, psychological issues relating to how to live with ME/CFS or FM, and the best advice which is "listen to your body and PLAN for down time." The authors have broken ME/CFS and FM down by body system and describe how they each affect you.
From Fatigued to Fantastic! A Proven Program to Regain Vibrant Health, Based on a New Scientific Study Showing Effective Treatment for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, revised and updated edition of 2001, ISBN: 1583330976.
Please note a third edition was released in Oct. 2007, ISBN: 1583332898.
Individuals who have become fairly well-acquainted with their illness(es), by living with them and having tried some of the commonly used medications and treatment options, might be ready to learn about and explore additional interventions. We think most newly diagnosed patients might be overwhelmed by all the information and ideas in this book (as some have told us). The edition we reviewed was the second one, from 2001, which was found to be greatly expanded from the original edition of 1998. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is a board-certified internist who states that he himself has suffered with ME/CFS and FM and this eventually lead to further research of these illnesses and other treatment strategies.
Dr. Teitelbaum's knowledge about the complex nature of the illnesses and wide array of symptoms clearly exceeds that of the average doctor. He brings up such things as persistent infections and strains commonly found in these illnesses, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, problems with nutrition and energy production.
One bonus in this book (as well as in the first edition) are the appendixes which contain such things as a guide for physicians, treatment protocol outlines and questionnaires to help document certain problems. Treatment protocols consist of some prescription or over-the-counter medications, dietary changes, dietary supplements and various herbal/alternative formulations. In previous years, opinions were rather mixed in the medical community about some of these treatment protocols; however, it is becoming more common to use supplements and vitamins in the treatment of ME/CFS and FM.
This book provides a lot of insight into the illnesses and numerous suggestions in how to relieve or improve many problems—it is loaded with a lot of information, but it may not be for everyone. Since many people with these illnesses live on a limited income or disability benefits, it may be difficult to afford many of these treatments. It is quite likely this book can be located through the public library system or borrowed from someone at a group. Patient finances, ability to find local doctors who will work with them, and /or patient preference for integrative medical care (which this is) or not, will greatly influence one's opinion about this book. We always urge that patients consult with their healthcare providers before trying supplements or new healthcare products.
Books about Fibromyalgia
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- Last Updated: 03 January 2016 03 January 2016
The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association does not assume any responsibility for the outcome of treatments or other self-care strategies described in any of the listed books, that might be undertaken by readers and we recommend individuals always consult with their healthcare providers before trying any new treatment, supplement, or healthcare product.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia for Dummies, by Dr. Roland Staud, 2007, ISBN: 0764554417
Despite the trend of having a "Dummies" book for just about anything imaginable and leaving the impression the topic might be lightly treated, that is not the case with this relatively new book on FM. The author is Dr. Roland Staud, a well-known rheumatologist who specializes in FM, conducts research on FM at University of Florida, and contributes articles for leading FM newsletters. Dr. Staud provides accurate and current information about FM and reviews numerous treatment interventions and other aspects with an open mind. It may have a slight drawback, that as a "Dummies" book, the material may viewed by some as a little bit simplified. However, we still rate this as one of the better new books on FM. It will likely meet the needs of newly diagnosed patients with FM and their family members as well as patients who would like to update their home library.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual, by Devin Starlanyl, 1996, ISBN: 1572240466
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition), by Devin Starlanyl, 2001, ISBN: 1572242388
The Fibromyalgia Advocate, by Devin Starlanyl, 1999, ISBN: 1572241217
An overview of this trio of books, written by Devin Starlanyl, is being provided concurrently because of her unique style and unique format of these books. The books are larger than most (about the size of phone book) and are finished with the same, signature design on the cover—they are very easy to spot. The original edition (1996) of the "survival manual" was one of the most welcomed, patient guides to hit bookshelves—often referred to as the "big blue Bible" on FM. Five years later, an updated version (with a jade green cover) was released to include more recent information on research, medications, and special issues.
The overall appeal of Starlanyl's books is not only detail which she goes into, great coping tips and advice given, but also the handy worksheets and numerous sketched figures with illustrated trigger points which are included in the manuals. These illustrations help to show where many symptoms may originate from (much of this information, she writes, was based on Drs. Travell's and Simons' publications on myofascial pain). Few books cover these coexisting conditions and explain perpetuating factors to this level.
Devin Starlanyl has been long involved with patients by starting one of the first FM/MPS internet groups, lecturing about the illnesses, and as a physician, also treating patients with the same. She is also someone who has both illnesses herself and thus, she is able to write and communicate with a deep personal appreciation of FM and MPS. The book on advocacy (with the bright purple cover) is pretty much what the name suggests—it is a resource manual with advice on how to deal with many situations, like legal rights, disability, other special issues and includes "data sheets" with references which patients can copy and take with them on doctors' appointments. These books are very informative and practical—one might very likely find the original edition at public libraries, but the 2nd edition would make for a good investment by anyone with FM.
Books about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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- Last Updated: 06 January 2016 06 January 2016
The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association does not assume any responsibility for the outcome of treatments or other self-care strategies described in any of the listed books, that might be undertaken by readers and we recommend individuals always consult with their healthcare providers before trying any new treatment, supplement, or healthcare product.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition by Erica F. Verrillo, 2012, E-book format
One of the many challenges of dealing with ME/CFS is the huge amount of sometimes conflicting information about the disease available from a large number of disparate sources. Sorting through the studies about, treatments for, and various approaches to the illness found on the Internet and elsewhere can be a challenge even for someone not dealing with effects of the disease.
For those of us looking for answers while living with ME/CFS or living with someone who suffers from it, the task can be especially daunting. For that reason alone, the recently published Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition by Erica F. Verrillo (only available in e-book format from Amazon) is an invaluable resource.
The ten well-written, well-researched and well-thought out chapters address all the important issues from definition to diagnosis to treatment. Each section is designed to be read as a whole, or in small "brain-fog" sized chunks. There is a summary of the topic at the beginning of each section and resources for in-depth research at the end.
The first three chapters present the various protocols for diagnosis, treatment approaches and a list of symptoms. There is a wealth of valuable information here. If you're like most patients though, you turn right to the treatment sections. If you have ME/CFS you want to know everything about anything that can help.
The author sums up her approach to treatment this way: "...CFS/ME [is] a form of systemic damage that must be gradually, methodically, and thoughtfully repaired. Or, to use an analogy, if CFS/ME is like falling into a hole...recovery is like climbing out of the hole, step by step, rung by rung."
The treatment sections follow this step-by-step approach. In the section on pharmaceuticals, each medication is described—what it is, and what it's supposed to do—the pros and cons of use are presented as well as protocols and patient reviews. The section on nutritional supplements and botanicals details their uses and includes further reading and research. In each of the chapters the treatments are not rated or critiqued. The latest comprehensive information is presented but it's up to the reader to determine what may be most useful to him or her.
As the author notes in her introduction, while much has changed since the first edition of this book was published in 1998, too much hasn't changed. There are still no diagnostic tests for ME/CFS and no cure. Controversy still rages over the very name of the illness. Verrillo's book is an essential, encyclopedic resource of approaches, possible causes, and helpful treatments as well as a guide to the latest thinking about this maddening, mysterious disease.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Illnesses—The Comprehensive Guide, by Katrina Berne, Ph.D., 2001, ISBN: 0897932803
This is one of the best regarded, all-inclusive books which covers diagnosis, theories, research, and overall management of ME/CFS and FM. Good attention and detail is given to the various detectable abnormalities and diagnostic techniques/ tests used, symptoms and groups of symptoms, things in common but also differences between these illnesses. It also provides a reasonably good overview of treatments (conventional and alternative methods), at least up to those available at the time of publication in 2001.
What makes this book unique and particularly helpful is the advice given about practical lifestyle modifications and coping strategies, as the author is a licensed clinical psychologist who treats patients with these illnesses. Furthermore, Dr. Berne also happens to be someone who has ME/CFS and the reader can definitely sense how well she understands and can relate to the effects of these illnesses. This is one of the most frequently recommended books for newly diagnosed patients with ME/CFS or FM and their family members. Due to its popularity, it is likely to be found on the public library system but it is definitely worth purchasing and having on hand.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies, by Dr. Susan R. Lisman, 2007, ISBN: 0470117729
One of the more recent books on ME/CFS happens to come from the dubiously named "Dummies" series. It follows the general format of the Dummies' books—information is presented within blocks or shaded boxes with special notes or warnings along the sides. The author is Dr. Susan R. Lisman, whose specialty is in anesthesiology at a hospital outside of Boston. However, Dr. Lisman has also worked with a considerable number of ME/CFS patients and writes from her experience about many aspects of the illness (i.e. assessing symptoms, getting diagnosed, and common treatments) with wit, but not in any great depth. In this case, new should not immediately imply better and improved—this book, compared to some of the older publications, is felt to be only mediocre. It may be well-suited for those new to the illness but who are not able to absorb very detailed information. It is available at most leading bookstores, so at least patients can browse through it and decide if this appeals to them.
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Notice about names
The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS.
Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.