Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Dissociation

I decided to so some research today on the possibility that I might be struggling with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in connection with my dissociative disorder and have been (tired) for as long as I can remember.  I was so relieved to find that there is indeed a connection and identified with much of what I have read about it on the Internet today.  I would still need to do a lot more research to help myself with this struggle, but to at least understand what might be going on that causes me such debilitating exhaustion, so often, is such a relief… to just have some possibility of answers at last. 
 
I am sharing two links that I found this morning.  When I have time again, I will research more, but am about to enter one of the busiest times of the year with the students’ portfolios about to come in for marking (one last night) and the student workshops next month, so I might not be able to do much research in the meantime. 
 
If anyone has information on this subject that could help me in my quest for further self-understanding, knowledge and healing, please do share with me to save me research time and point me in the right direction more quickly.  Thank you.

• Article on:  IVORY GARDEN DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP AND CHAT (copied below)

https://www.igdid.com/h78-childhood-trauma-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-risk-biologically-linked
 
Childhood Trauma And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Risk Biologically Linked
ScienceDaily (Jan. 5, 2009) - Childhood trauma is a potent risk factor for development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to a study by researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Results of the study confirm that childhood trauma, particularly emotional maltreatment and sexual abuse, is associated with a six-fold increased risk for CFS. The risk further increases with the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.
 
The study also found that low levels of cortisol, a hallmark biological feature of CFS, are associated with childhood trauma. Cortisol is frequently referred to as the "stress hormone" and is important to regulate the body's response to stress. A lack of cortisol's effects may cause altered or prolonged stress responses.
 
"The study indicates that low cortisol levels may actually reflect a marker for the risk of developing CFS rather than being a sign of the syndrome itself," said Christine M. Heim, PhD, lead author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine.
 
The population-based study analyzed data from 113 people with CFS, and a control group of 124 people without CFS, drawn from a sample of almost 20,000 Georgians. The results confirm earlier findings from a 2006 study conducted in Wichita, Kan.
 
Study participants completed a self-reported questionnaire on five different types of childhood trauma including emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect. Researchers also collected saliva samples from participants to record levels of cortisol over one hour after awakening, typically an individual's highest cortisol levels for the day.
 
"When looking at CFS cases with and without histories of childhood trauma, only those with childhood trauma had the classic low cortisol levels often seen in CFS cases," explains Heim.
 
"It is important to emphasize that not all patients with CFS have been through childhood trauma," she says. "CFS may be part of a spectrum of disorders associated with childhood adversity, which includes depression and anxiety disorders."
 
Certain experiences children have while the brain is developing and vulnerable can make a difference in the way the body reacts to stress later in life, and may have long-term health consequences.
 
"Trauma that occurs at different times in childhood may be linked to different long term changes. It's an area in which more work is needed," says Heim.
 
This study was supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• 10 Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

http://health.facty.com/conditions/chronic-fatigue/10-symptoms-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/

1. Cognitive problems
2. Erratic sleep
3. Muscle and joint pain
4. Vertigo
5. PEM
6. Sensitivity to external stimuli
7. Weakened immune system
8. Gastro intestinal problems
9. Paresthesia
10. Difficulty staying upright

 

• THE LINK BETWEEN CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

https://childhoodtraumarecovery.com/2013/10/24/the-link-between-childhood-trauma-and-chronic-fatigue-symptom/

• Somewhere I also read that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may be a result of unresolved rage.  I have struggled with a more intensely prolonged episode of what I now believe are the symptoms of CFS since a recent upset that involves the threat of loss again and a sense of abject helplessness/hopelessness to stop what is causing me so much emotional discomfort.  I know that my inner adolescent Patricia, is affected and it is her that I experience as holding a lot of unresolved rage.

 
I experience chronic fatigue syndrome as extremely debilitating and time wasting… I must find a way to FIX this so that I can be more productive and live a better life!    
 
Today my work stepped up… more contact with the students, etc. resulting in a lot more motivation.  I got so much done and I feel great as a result.  It’s after 7pm now and yes, now I am very tired, but at least I have been able to function better today… thankfully.
 
Thank you for sharing with me.
 
~  Panayiota