Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a medically unexplained illness characterised by severe disabling fatigue and other symptoms. NHS Plus has recently published national evidence-based guidelines on the occupational management of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Key findings:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) have beenshown to be effective in helping people back to work.
- Depression along with CFS can hamper recovery.
- People with a greater number of physical symptoms and older age find it more difficult to return to work.
- Employers and occupational health professionals should be aware that most individuals with CFS are likely to fall under the remit of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The complete scientific review and summary documents aimed at employers, health professionals and employees who may be suffering from CFS are downloadable from the NHS Plus website:
http://www.nhsplus.nhs.uk/ (look under Evidence Based Guidelines).