Tag: Treatment Modalities

Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Controlling the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome is no longer restricted to changes in lifestyle, medications and behavioral therapies. There are in fact current treatment modalities that make use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Since many conventional treatments do not guarantee absolute success, alternative medicine, for most people, prove to be very attractive treatment options. Below are some of the most common complementary and alternative treatments used in relieving patients from the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ginseng
In Asia, ginseng is a popular herbal treatment for fatigue as well as in increasing energy which is basically what patients of CFS need. It turns out, the claims around this ancient energy booster herb hold water even when tested through contemporary research. Based on the study conducted by the University of Iowa, ginseng is among the more reliable and effective herbs for CFS. An independent study conducted in California further proved that ginseng is a powerful herb for treating CFS.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
In a pioneering study conducted among chronic fatigue patients, it was proven that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly known as NADH, helps in providing extra energy for CFS patients.

Carnitine
Carnitine, a substance found in almost all living cells, has the main function of transporting fatty acids to the powerhouse or the mitochondria of cells. This substance, in a way, is instrumental in the production of cellular energy. Carnitine supplements are helpful to CFS patients since it is found out that among these people, Carnitine levels are very low which is linked to some types of pain, muscle fatigue and decreased tolerance to physical exertion. Supplementation, therefore, can help fix low Carnitine levels.

Carnitine supplements, in general, work well with patients of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However high dosage of these supplements may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, increased appetite and body odor.

Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10
This is another compound that is found in the energy-producing organelle of the cells- the mitochondria. It is known to play roles in the production of ATP, a chemical compound which produces energy used during muscle contraction.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a type of hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. Small quantities of DHEA are also found in the testes and the ovaries where it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. This hormone plays a great deal in the regulation of sleep, moods and memory. Among patients of chronic fatigue syndrome, this hormone is found in abnormally lower levels. Supplements are therefore needed to normalize these levels. However there are downsides to using DHEA supplements.

Since this hormone is converted into testosterone and estrogen, conditions that are controlled by these hormones may be affected. It is therefore very important that DHEA supplements are used only with doctor’s prescription and supervision.

The substances discussed above are potentially helpful in relieving the symptoms of CFS, especially fatigue. However, it should be remembered that although these come from natural sources, the “natural” factor does not guarantee that the substance is safe. These substances can potentially interfere with other medications and may pose serious danger to the health of individuals who are taking them without sufficient professional assistance.

Having said that, there are other options that are outright safe such as breathing therapy, relaxation therapies, movement therapies, acupuncture and ayurdeva.

Chronic Fatigue Treatment Options

Patients of CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome respond differently to various treatments. Some of them recover after drastic changes in lifestyle, some of them are more responsive to pharmacological treatments. Here are the most common treatment modalities to which CFS patients are subjected and to which most of them respond well.

Self-Care/Management Techniques
Some patients can facilitate self-care treatments. This can be done by monitoring the level and pacing of activities such that prolonged and extreme levels of exhaustion are prevented. This can also be done by preventing the urge to rest. Since CFS is not relieved through rest, regardless of the duration, health care professionals do not advise the patients to rest excessively. Some form of physical activity must be maintained. This is oftentimes recommended by the physician. When trying to manage the symptoms of the disorder by yourself, it is best to keep the pacing and the level of the activities under control. Otherwise, symptoms may occur at a more debilitating rate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological therapy that delivers relief of symptoms but not necessarily cure. This helps the patients understand their conditions and can therefore better guide them in forming their beliefs, perception and attitudes towards the syndrome. It is believed that through a more accurate depiction of the condition, the patient can better respond to the symptoms and they can cause lesser inhibition of the recurrence of their symptoms.

Graded Exercise Therapy
This therapy involves the introduction of incremental changes in the patients’ levels of activity. While concrete evidence are yet to be established, many experts believe that integration of activities is very important in managing the disease. Under this therapy then, the patient will have to monitor his own activities and exercises. As the therapy progresses, he moves to higher intensities until he gets back to the doing activities he normally participated in prior to the onset of the condition.

Pharmacological Treatments
Managements of the conditions through pharmacological treatments can involve the following medications:

Antidepressants are primarily used to manage mood swings and secondary depression. Low dosage antidepressants, on the other hand, are helpful in managing sleep disturbance and pain.

Autonomic nervous system stimulants are used to help improve concentration and short-term memory which are greatly affected by the disorder.

NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed to CFS patients to relieve them from muscle and joint pains.

Anxiolyticagents are used to target symptoms of anxiety.

CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The use of dietary supplements in managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is central in alleviating the symptoms of CFS. According to some pilot studies, supplements of Carnitine, essential fatty acids, Magnesium and polynutrient supplements have shown strong indications of symptom reduction among patients.

Because the origins of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not yet fully understood, treatment options are more directed to managing the symptoms and not really in curing the disorder. The main objective in producing relief from symptoms is to reinstate the conditions of the person as well as his well-being prior to the onset of the disorder.

As a result, majority of sufferers do not fully recover and even if they do, they recover gradually. For people who expect better and faster recovery, frustrations often ensue which for most of the cases, worsen the condition. It is therefore recommended to undergo a treatment at a very slow but well-managed pace.

Awareness as the Solution for Dual Diagnosis

So what is diagnosis really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about diagnosis–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

Proper and appropriate treatment for people who are exhibiting and experiencing dual diagnosis which is also referred to as mental health illnesses combined with positive substance and alcohol addiction is hardly impossible. It has been quite difficult and tiring for medical health professionals dealing secrete personality disorders to point out both problems at the alike time. Identification has also been a terrible headache although, with the subdivision, efficient are possibilities to further treat besides rest the clients.

Dependence on chemicals had been found out that it is not only a symptom but a problem that can be completely sour when inappropriate medication is given. Medical professionals major in addiction believe that mental disorders are symptoms or drug addiction. While mental practitioners who specialize in mental disorders beg to differ now they have stated that its the other way around. Here is where the confusion stands and yes, effectiveness of treatment is vague for patients who are diagnosed dually.

Even at the brink of proper diagnosis and case finding, there is still dwarf hope for treatment. Majority of those who are regarded as mentally disturbed will choose to medicate in a way that will benefit them negatively. Addiction states that there will be no proper sobriety again cleanliness unless the person stops taking medications which are prescribed. Discrimination of clients will be felt through the professionals treatment modalities and also those addicts and alcoholics recovering through medications because of the statement that majority of drugs are bad.

Difficulty in domicile at their own homes and other rehabilitation programs will not produce tolerated thus, making these dually diagnosed clients lose their coping mechanisms and support systems. With this kind of rejection, hospitalizations are probable and they may suffer relapses that are frequent again sometimes, severe. Mentally ill patients with substance dependency and abuse carries a burden that can cause them to drop out of mental health treatment centers as clients who didnt have any substance addiction problems which can become a future predicament.

Awareness is the key

It is important that a medical professional dealing with a dually diagnosed patient address to both disorders in a way thatll be fruitful for the persons totality. With addressing both disorders simultaneously, treating one disorder will mean nothing. Awareness of both of the disorder is important. Adrift awareness there is no tolerant and treatment.

In doing a simultaneous approach, treatment of acute stage and stability of the persons attitude can contribute to focus on both the disorders. Its like shooting two birds with one stone. In relation with rehabilitation further maintenance of the patient, the adept must attend to the aboriginal disorder.

The antecedent of the system of care in rehabilitation programs must appear as designed in order to meet the needs of the patient in each phase of recovery from every illness. These programs must address the different levels of disability and severity thatll be invaluable for clients who are motivated to bring out responsibility in order to attain their recovery.

Awareness about the dually diagnosed situation is the crucial element for providing the effective and efficient care to the patient. Education thatll demonstrate the disorders as illnesses is necessary to advocate the mentally ill patient. Advocacies happen in order to take meaning the disorders which are addictive and otherwise may cause the heating up of the other.
Knowing enough about diagnosis to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you’ve just learned about diagnosis, you should have nothing to worry about.

Focusing on the Different Treatments of Bipolar Disorder

Current info about bipolar is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest bipolar info available.

Mortals who are currently suffering with bipolar disorder, severe or not, encumbrance maintain substantial and stabilized symptoms and alternate mood swings with the action of proper and effective treatment.

Bipolar disorder is considered as a illness thats recurrent. With this realization, it only means that preventive treatments that go a long, long way is recommended and is strongly needed. Proposal suggests psychosocial treatment combined with medication is optimal in that the management of the disorder in due time.

It is most advisable that cases of bipolar illness must receive continuous medication and attention than in occasional terms. This will help the progressive behavior be controlled and in well-timed time, diminished. If there are no breaks in the treatment given and the patient still conveys certain mood swings, it should be reported to the physician as soon as possible.

Physicians have the capability to prevent a patient from destructive episodes through adjustments of the plan for treatment. Closely working together with the physician and open communication about options and concerns can make a big difference in the effectiveness of the form.

To keep track of the patients behavior, it is important to keep a diagram of daily sleep patterns, treatments, attacks, life occurrences and mood swings. This chart will help the physician, family and stuffy friends understand the illness better. This will also give the doctor an idea on what kind of treatment should be given.

Treatment Modalities

1. Medication

Medications that are given to people who are experiencing bipolar attacks are strictly prescribed by the doctor and not by just anybody. Also, physicians concerned with primary health care can also prescribe the medication but it is else recommended that people suffering with bipolar difficulties must see a psychiatrist.

Usually, medications that indicate stabilizing of mood are prescribed owing to the control of bipolar attacks. There are several mood stabilizers that are prescribed either short – term or long – term treatment.

Some of these popular medications are:

Lithium effective in preventing mania and recurrences of depressive and manic episodes.

Anticonvulsants may provide mood – stabilizing outcomes and are useful for those people who are having some difficulty in treating and avoiding the mood swings.

Lithium and anticonvulsants if combined bequeath have greater and maximum effects.

Odd antipsychotic drugs still considered as effective mood stabilizers in exchange with lithium and anticonvulsants

Certain changes in treatment and medication may occur if the patient exhibits a severe or lighter course. This will help manage the illness in the most effective manner. Psychiatrists must be advised with the changes either bad or good. When taking prescription drugs or through – the – counter drugs or other natural supplements, this should be mentioned to the physician – in – invasion in order to trace any adverse reactions.

In order to reduce any relapse or development of new episodes, it is essential to stick to the plan of treatment. If in doubt, natter to the physician about your concerns. Side effects of bipolar disorder medication can also be experienced in the course of treatment. Therefore it is important to talk to the buying it physician about any side effects that can occur.

Some of the part effects that are manifested by people suffering from the disorder are tremor, weight payoff, decreased sexual performance, hair loss, nausea, anxiety and movement problems. In the exploit that you have experienced such side effects, it is important to inform your physician about it. In return, the physician will have to chicken feed the medication in order to relieve the side effects.
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.