Differentiating Multiple Sclerosis from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Jason, Leonard A.; Ohanian, Diana M.; Brown, Abigail; Sunnquist, Madison; McManimen, Stephanie; Klebek, Lauren; Fox, Pamela; Sorenson, Matthew

doi:10.21767/2572-5610.10027

Cited by 21 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…In our study, we did not observe such a phenomenon, nor did we determine the optimum level of activity. Interestingly, Janson et al compared ME/CFS with MS and reported significantly more functional limitation and more severe symptoms in ME/CSF patients than those with MS [ 67 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship between Fatigue and Physical Activity in a Polish Cohort of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

et al. 2020

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Background and objectives: Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It can be defined as a subjective lack of physical and mental energy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of fatigue in patients with MS and its relationship with overall physical activity and disease-related disability. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 patients with a clinical relapsing-remitting form of MS. Patients with severe depression were excluded. Neurological impairment was rated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Fatigue was assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), with FSS scores greater than 36 indicating patients with fatigue. Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and categorized on three levels: low, moderate, and high, using standard metabolic equivalents (MET). Results: The average FSS and MFIS scores were (mean ± SD) 31.3 ± 15.2 and 30.1 ± 17.0, respectively. The mean EDSS score was 2.5 ± 1.5. 42%. Patients were classified as fatigued based on FSS. Fatigued patients had higher mean EDSS scores than non-fatigued (3.0 ± 1.6 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4, respectively, p = 0.002). Low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity were reported in 35%, 20%, and 45% of patients, respectively. Higher scores of fatigue in FSS and MFIS were inversely correlated with the intensity of physical activity (r = −0.38, p < 0.001 and r = −0.33, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with MS, fatigue is a common symptom. Patients with lower physical activity and greater MS-related disability have a higher severity of fatigue, which negatively affects cognitive, psychosocial, and physical functioning.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship between Fatigue and Physical Activity in a Polish Cohort of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

et al. 2020

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“…Chronic Illness sample. The Chronic Illness respondents were from a convenience sample of adults living with chronic illnesses, including ME/CFS, collected by investigators at DePaul University [26]. Participants were recruited online using support groups, research forums, and social media platforms.…”

Section: Participantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Homebound versus Bedridden Status among Those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

et al. 2021

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Persons living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary widely in terms of the severity of their illness. It is estimated that of those living with ME/CFS in the United States, about 385,000 are homebound. There is a need to know more about different degrees of being homebound within this severely affected group. The current study examined an international sample of 2138 study participants with ME/CFS, of whom 549 were severely affected (operationalized as ‘Homebound’). A subsample of 89 very severely affected participants (operationalized as ‘Homebound-bedridden’) was also examined. The findings showed a significant association between severely and very severely affected participants within the post-exertional malaise (PEM) symptom domain. The implications of these findings are discussed.

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“…In a qualitative study of people living with both multiple sclerosis (MS) and late-stage kidney disease, limitation of activities was mentioned by multiple participants as a driving factor in their suicidal ideation [26]. This finding has particularly salient implications for ME/CFS, which has been suggested in multiple studies to reduce function even more than MS [27,28]. Thus, one might expect to see an even greater risk of suicide in ME/CFS than in other chronic illnesses with less impaired functionality.…”

Section: Risk Factors For Suicidementioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

et al. 2021

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Adult patients affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are at an increased risk of death by suicide. Based on the scientific literature and our clinical/research experiences, we identify risk and protective factors and provide a guide to assessing and managing suicidality in an outpatient medical setting. A clinical case is used to illustrate how information from this article can be applied. Characteristics of ME/CFS that make addressing suicidality challenging include absence of any disease-modifying treatments, severe functional limitations, and symptoms which limit therapies. Decades-long misattribution of ME/CFS to physical deconditioning or psychiatric disorders have resulted in undereducated healthcare professionals, public stigma, and unsupportive social interactions. Consequently, some patients may be reluctant to engage with mental health care. Outpatient medical professionals play a vital role in mitigating these effects. By combining evidence-based interventions aimed at all suicidal patients with those adapted to individual patients’ circumstances, suffering and suicidality can be alleviated in ME/CFS. Increased access to newer virtual or asynchronous modalities of psychiatric/psychological care, especially for severely ill patients, may be a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Differentiating Multiple Sclerosis from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Cited by 21 publications

References 25 publications

Relationship between Fatigue and Physical Activity in a Polish Cohort of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Relationship between Fatigue and Physical Activity in a Polish Cohort of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Homebound versus Bedridden Status among Those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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