Fibromyalgia, the "sore all over" syndrome may be part of CFIDS, with pain being a more prominent symptom than fatigue. In this condition, which affects mainly women in their late 30's and 40's, there is generalized pain and aching throughout the body, morning stiffness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and multiple tender spots on the body.

Specialized types of brain scans have shown decreased blood flow to the brain of CFIDS patients. After exercise, brain scans also clearly show even more drastic decreases in blood flow and brain function. In addition, some researchers have noted white abnormalities in certain areas of the brain.

Most blood tests are normal in CFIDS, but there may be abnormalities of immunoglobulins and T-cell function. In particular, there may be a decrease in natural killer cells, or an increase in helper cells and an increase in the ratio of helper cells to suppressor cells.

Treatment of CFIDS requires a multi-pronged approach. It may involve gentle exercise and massage as well as nutritional and vitamin supplements to stimulate the immune system. A high quality diet with emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, supplemented with chicken and fish, is essential. Proper rest and balancing of activities with rest is mandatory. This illness also requires a complete change of attitude and lifestyle as well as elimination of all major stresses. Small doses of anti-depressant drugs at bedtime may be helpful for some people.

If chronic yeast infection is present, treatment is essential for recovery. Dr. Carol Jessop, Assistant Professor of Medicine at The University of California, treated 900 of her CFIDS patients with a strong anti-yeast drug known as ketoconazole, and a sugar free diet. Results were impressive. Eighty four percent recovered to a level at which they could remain working 30 to 40 hours a week. Of those, almost 30 percent still had a reoccurrence of their symptoms with infections, surgery or other stressors. Thirty percent fully recovered to their previous level of health.

Dr. Jessop found that 80 percent of her CFIDS patients gave a history of recurrent antibiotic use. Also, most of her patients had a history of serious sugar addiction. Eighty percent of her patients had recurrent ear, nose and throat infections as children, acne and recurrent hives as adolescents, anxiety attacks, headaches and bowel problems, and had to stop drinking because it didn't agree with them.

Dr. Jessop's current treatment of choice is fluconazole, 100mg daily combined with some form of grapefruit seed extract.

Several studies have shown that evening of primrose oil may be helpful for CFIDS. The usual dosage suggested is four capsules combined with two cod liver oil capsules (containing vitamin-A 1,250 IU and vitamin-D 100 IU) taken with breakfast and lunch but not at bedtime.

Magnesium also plays a crucial role in the treatment of CFIDS. The suggested dosage is 300mg to 500mg in liquid or capsule form, usually with an equal amount of calcium, taken at bedtime. Other important supplements include zinc, vitamin-E, mega B50, betacarotene, and vitamin-C.

A six week trial of co-enzyme Q-10 in doses of 90 to 200mg daily is recommended by American CFIDS expert, Dr. Paul Cheney, particularly for improving fatigue, thought processes, muscular weakness and associated heart problems.

Some doctors have found that daily or bi-weekly injections of vitamin-B-12 are helpful. A small study, published in a British medical journal (Lancet, Mar 30/91), showed the benefit of weekly intramuscular infections of magnesium sulphate.

Dr. Hyde also suggests a choline citrate and vitamin-C liquid mixture to be taken three times a day. "This classical treatment has been used since the 30's... it is harmless, pharmacologically sound, inexpensive, tastes good and appears to increase energy levels."

DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone has been called the mother of all hormones. It is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, and a precursor for estrogen and testosterone. Its functions are currently being investigated. It is a biomarker for aging and declines progressively with age. Nutritionally orientated medical doctors in the States have begun giving DHEA to selected CFIDS patients whose total serum levels are low normal or below normal. (best measured between 8:00 and 9:00am).