Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Starting with an impaired immune system, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), we're shown here, poses a diagnostic dilemma because of its multilevel combination of symptomsarthritis, mononucleosis, anemia and extreme tiredness, often accompanied by depression and erosion of the will. According to Stoff, a Massachusetts viral-infection specialist, the complexity of CFS (previously called Epstein-Barr virus) demands a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Following a semi-technical section on CFS's pathology, Stoff and Pellegrino provide guidelines for both physicians and patients. Stoff claims his therapy has been effective with his patients, among them coauthor, friend and astrobiologist Pellegrino. Stoff uses not only traditional drugs, nutrition and exercise, but non-traditional techniques as well, such as vitamins, homeopathy and affirmative mental exercises (including visualization) that are designed to fortify the will and the immune system. The authors make accessible to lay readers a complex medical problem and offer realistic hope to CFS sufferers. Author tour. (Nov.)