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Can sustained arousal explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Vegard B Wyller1, Hege R Eriksen, Kirsti Malterud
1Division of Paediatrics, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. brwylle@online.no.
Behavioral and Brain Functions : BBF
|February 25, 2009
Summary
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) may stem from sustained arousal, a permanent stress response. This model integrates various factors, explaining immune, endocrine, muscle, and cognitive changes linked to fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
Background:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) presents complex, multifactorial symptoms.
- Existing research on CFS mechanisms is fragmented across disciplines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an integrative model for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) disease mechanisms.
- To unify diverse empirical findings within a single theoretical framework.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS) as a foundation.
- Integrating new data on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory regulation.
- Synthesizing findings from immunology, endocrinology, skeletal muscle function, and cognition.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests sustained arousal responses in CFS.
- Sustained arousal may originate from precipitating and predisposing factors.
- This arousal explains immunological (Th1/Th2 imbalance), endocrine (HPA axis), muscular, and cognitive alterations.
Conclusions:
- A model of sustained arousal provides a unifying framework for CFS.
- Sustained arousal is causally linked to the experience of fatigue in CFS.
- This integrative model encompasses key CFS disease mechanisms.
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