Godden Green Clinic
Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome Explained
A Guide by
Dr Adrian Winbow
MB BS FRCPsych DPM
Introduction
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which is
also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or post viral fatigue syndrome is well
recognised in the press and also the media. People with this condition have
profound fatigue after exercise, muscle pain, disturbance of sleep pattern,
faulty temperature control, memory disturbance and poor concentration and
frequent headaches. The mean length of the illness is 4 1/2 years and it can
affect both sexes and all ages. The cause is unknown but it is often thought
to be associated with a viral infection or considerable stress in the person's
life.
Diagnosis
There are no specific tests to
confirm the diagnosis but to make the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome
the illness needs to have continued for at least six months and all other
physical and psychological causes need to be eliminated.
Assessment
After a referral to Godden Green
Clinic a Consultant Psychiatrist will assess your condition and may arrange
for you to undergo a series of further investigations. After these tests have
been completed the Consultant Psychiatrist will decide on the most appropriate
form of treatment for you.
Treatment available
Consultant Psychiatrists and the
staff at Godden Green Clinic are trained to deal with people with chronic
fatigue syndrome. They offer a non judgmental holistic approach to the illness
and it has been shown from various research papers three forms of treatment
are particularly useful for this syndrome. The concept of "pacing" is very
effective in that the person on a good day is able to do more and on a bad day
has to rest. Cognitive behavioural therapy is also effective for this illness
and is designed to change the person's attitude and to develop a more positive
approach to the illness in general. Anti depressants may also be useful for
certain people.
Any medical treatment is designed
to suit the person's specific symptoms and may involve improving the sleep
pattern, improving symptoms of anxiety and depression, bowel symptoms and
allergies. In some cases physiotherapy will be used to improve mobilisation
after the person is fully assessed in terms of their physical ability.
Referrals
Referrals normally come from the
person's family doctor although consultant specialists in the health service
and private sector and also NHS purchasing authorities can refer patients.
Out patient treatment
Trained therapists who have
experience in chronic fatigue syndrome can provide out patient treatment with
training in lifestyle management and cognitive behavioural therapy. Lifestyle
management provides information on how to manage day to day living and improve
functional ability. Many people after discharge, benefit from telephone
consultations with a therapist and this means that people can travel from long
distances for treatment and still receive follow up, after discharge, by
telephone.
In patient treatment at
Godden Green Clinic
If it is difficult for the person
to travel to the hospital because of their illness, in patient treatment may
be required. You will have your own bedroom and en suite bathroom with a
nominated nurse/therapist trained to deal with this specific condition. In
patients will have direct medical care from the Consultant Psychiatrists and
Staff Psychiatrist, in addition to trained nurses, counsellors,
physiotherapists and dieticians. The average length of stay is between two and
eight weeks.
Treatment Outcome
By using these modem treatment
approaches, seventy to eighty per cent of people can see an improvement in
symptoms after completing the course of treatment.
Godden Green Clinic
Godden Green is a registered
private psychiatric clinic set in a peaceful location high in the Kentish
Weald. Godden Green Clinic provides a high quality environment and excellent
clinical care and is able to cater for all manner of psychological and
emotional problems.
The facilities are particularly
suited to the treatment of patients with various forms of mood disorder,
depressive illness, anxiety and phobic states, eating disorders, alcohol
problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, post viral fatigue, bereavement and
relationship problems. Godden Green Clinic also has a dedicated Mother & Baby
Unit, located in a separate wing of the Clinic and which is able to
accommodate Mothers suffering from psychological disturbances associated with
childbirth.
Consultant Psychiatrist:
Dr Adrian Winbow
Dr Adrian Winbow is a Consultant
Psychiatrist at Godden Green Clinic in Sevenoaks Kent and has been in
independent private psychiatric practice since 1986. He runs out patient
clinics in Croydon, Brentwood, Orpington and Tunbridge Wells.
He is a fellow of the Royal College
of Psychiatrists and holds a Diploma in Psychological Medicine. He has worked
as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the South East initially in the National
Health Service since 1978 and still sees a variety of out patients in private
medical/surgical hospitals every day as well as having in Patients and day
patients at Godden Green Clinic. His special interests include depressive
illness, alcohol mis use, chronic fatigue syndromes and also eating disorders.
His approach to psychiatric treatment is fairly eclectic and ranging from the
use of psychotropic medication through psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural
therapy as well as relaxation techniques, anxiety management and hypnosis.
For appointments
Phone :
(01732) 763491
and ask for Joanna Prunty
(practice manager) ex 508