The State of CFS Research
By Nancy Klimas, MD, University of Miami School of Medicine

The research community has been studying CFS for nearly two decades, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. Join one of the leading CFS researchers as she shares where we are in the process.

Across the Pond
By Birgitta Evengard, PhD, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm Sweden

CFS is not exclusive to the United States . Researchers in countries around the world are investigating everything from cause to cure. Here’s a brief overview of efforts being conducted worldwide.

Association-Funded Research 
By K. Kimberly McCleary, President and CEO, CFIDS Association of America

Nearly 20 years ago, the CFIDS Association spent its first dollar on research. That commitment continues today, making the organization the largest source of CFS research funding aside from the federal government.

Sidebars
Earnest about Epidemiology: Leonard Jason 
Missionary for the Movement: Nancy Klimas   

The Link between Advocacy and Research 
By Thomas F. Sheridan, President, the Sheridan Group

What does advocacy have to do with CFS research? A great deal, as it turns out. Explore the link between advocacy, public policy and funding for research.

Sidebars
The Accidental Advocate: K. Kimberly McCleary    

EPIDEMIOLOGY

The Face of CFS in the U.S. 
By Leonard A. Jason, PhD, Susan R. Torres-Harding, PhD,
and Mary Gloria C. Njoku, MA, DePaul University

What does CFS look like? Is it male or female, Caucasian, African American or Latino? Is it someone who has been sick for 15 months or 15 years? Lead researchers on CFS epidemiology paint a picture of the demographics and scope of the illness in the U.S.

ETIOLOGY

What Causes CFS?
By Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Harvard Medical School

After almost 20 years and 3,000 research studies, the exact cause of CFS is elusive. Here, a noted CFS expert shares some perspective, takes a look at what we do know and highlights promising new research.

Sidebars
Could EBV Research Turn Medicine Upside Down? by Ronald Glaser, PhD          
Scotland’s Gene Team: the University of Glasgow ’s Research Group     
From Cardiology to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Kenny De Meirleir        
It’s All in the Genes by Jonathan Kerr, MD, PhD         

Immune System Gone Haywire?
By Susan Levine, MD

Vigorous research has explored immune dysfunction in CFS. Learn key findings that have come from this effort, including immune abnormalities contributing to the origin and maintenance of the disease.

Sidebars
Some Infections Trigger CFS in 10% of Cases by Andrew Lloyd, AM, MBBS,
MD, FRACP 
Stress Activates Inflammation in CFS by Charles Raison, PhD  

Is Sleep the Root of CFS Evil?  
By Vicki Walker, Guest Contributor

What role do sleep abnormalities play in CFS? Could sleep dysfunction cause the illness, or does the illness cause the sleep problems so many with CFS experience?

Is CFS a Brain Disorder?  
By Gudrun Lange, PhD, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

The cognitive problems of CFS patients have spurred numerous brain studies. Although data is not consistent, research confirms both structural and functional brain abnormalities.

ASPECTS OF THE ILLNESS

Reproductive Issues
By Pamela Young, Director of Publications, CFIDS Association of America

Though more women than men have CFS, when it comes to understanding the gynecological ramifications, few definitive answers exist. But the research to date reveals some intriguing issues to consider.

Pediatric CFS
By Pamela Young, Director of Publications, CFIDS Association of America

CFS doesn’t just strike adults as once thought. When two leading experts on the subject were interviewed, they shared what we’ve learned from research into pediatric CFS.

Alphabet Soup 
By Dedra Buchwald, MD, University of Washington

Stirred into the CFS experience is a mix of overlapping conditions—from FM to IBS—sharing symptoms and diagnostic criteria. The result can be a recipe for confusion.

TREATMENT

Clinical Care for CFS
By Marcia Harmon, Director of Communications, CFIDS Association of America

CFS can be challenging to treat, and more research has focused on exploring cause than treatment and cure. But a variety of treatments do exist. Here, top CFS clinicians share their strategies for helping patients with CFS.

Sidebars
Man of Steel: Dan Peterson  
A New Definition of Exerciseby Christopher Snell, PhD, Staci Stevens, MA,
and J. Mark VanNess, PhD
Two Controversial Treatments by Professor Peter White         
Scientist and Crusader: Lucinda Bateman  

Online Bonus

Loretta Spotila, PhD, provides an overview of pharmacological treatments for CFS, including findings from various studies on treatment protocols. Dr. Spotila’s research is also reflected in the article titled, “Clinical Care for CFS,” described above.

STORIES OF CFS

Patient Perspectives
By Jane Duckwall, guest contributor and Marcia Harmon, Director of Communications, CFIDS Association of America

People with CFS come from many walks of life, but most have to make dramatic changes in their lifestyle, activities and outlook. While research continues, these people labor to make the best of their lives as they wait and hope for better treatment, more answers and ultimately a cure.

Sidebars
The Thief in Their Midst: Libby and Sid Topol             
The Long Search for Help: Maria Connor       
A Young Man’s Story: Ben Crichton   
Genetics and Silver Linings: Wilhelmina Jenkins and Kamilah Konrad    
A Family Transformed: Brian Bernard and Donnica Moore  

Order your copy now!