Chronic fatigue syndromes: real illnesses that people can recover from

Tomas Nordheim Alme, Anna Andreasson, Tarjei Tørre Asprusten, Anne Karen Bakken, Michael BJ Beadsworth, Birgitte Boye, Per Alf Brodal, Elias Myrstad Brodwall, Kjetil Gundro Brurberg, Ingrid Bugge, Trudie Chalder, Reidar Due, Hege Randi Eriksen, Per Klausen Fink, Signe Agnes Flottorp, Egil Andreas Fors, Bård Fossli Jensen, Hans Petter Fundingsrud, Paul Garner, Lise Beier Havdal, Helene Helgeland, Henrik Børsting Jacobsen, Georg Espolin Johnson, Martin Jonsjö, Hans Knoop, Live Landmark, Gunvor Launes, Mats Lekander, Hannah Linnros, Elin Lindsäter, Helena Liira, Lina Linnestad, Jon Håvard Loge, Peter Solvoll Lyby, Sadaf Malik, Ulrik Fredrik Malt, Trygve Moe, Anna-Karin Norlin, Maria Pedersen, Siv Elin Pignatiello, Charlotte Ulrikka Rask, Silje Endresen Reme, Gisle Roksund, Markku Sainio, Michael Sharpe, Ruth Foseide Thorkildsen, Betty van Roy, Per Olav Vandvik, Henrik Vogt, Hedda Bratholm Wyller, Vegard Bruun Bratholm Wyller

The 'Oslo Chronic Fatigue Consortium' consists of researchers and clinicians who question the current narrative that chronic fatigue syndromes, including post-covid conditions, are incurable diseases. Instead, we propose an alternative view, based on research, which offers more hope to patients. Whilst we regard the symptoms of these conditions as real, we propose that they are more likely to reflect the brain's response to a range of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than a specific disease process. Possible causes include persistent activation of the neurobiological stress response, accompanied by associated changes in immunological, hormonal, cognitive and behavioural domains. We further propose that the symptoms are more likely to persist if they are perceived as threatening, and all activities that are perceived to worsen them are avoided. We also question the idea that the best way to cope with the illness is by prolonged rest, social isolation, and sensory deprivation.Instead, we propose that recovery is often possible if patients are helped to adopt a less threatening understanding of their symptoms and are supported in a gradual return to normal activities. Finally, we call for a much more open and constructive dialogue about these conditions. This dialogue should include a wider range of views, including those of patients who have recovered from them.