As a doc, I have seen many people with CFS. Personally, I have a hard time believing that there is a virus or some other unifying process to explain the symptoms. Most research does not support a viral cause; indeed, this virus XMRV is found in only 67% of patients in the study mentioned in this article. At least three other research groups have found NO ASSOCIATION between XMRV and CFS. Sounds like the "chronic EBV" story again.
This makes the CBS move irresponsible. It's political, not scientific. Makes the CBS look like fools, if you ask me.
Moreover, Kati Debelic is wrong. A ton of money has been spent on CFS and fibromyalgia in the past 20 years. The only treatments that work are cognitive behavioural therapy (ie - psychotherapy) and exercise. Does this make any sense at all for a virus? I defy anyone to name another viral illness that gets better with psychotherapy.
I understand why docs are a little cynical and overall frustrated with this. How do you treat "I'm so tired"? Or deal with "I'm weak and achy"? What do I say to someone who wants to go on disability because they are tired at age 35? The data says get some counselling and get some exercise
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010...tigue-virus.html#socialcomments#ixzz0kTT6Pc0P