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Glossary
adenosine triphosphate (ATP): The molecule that carries energy for all cells.
anemia: A decline in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, which lowers the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): A disorder characterized by at least six months of fatigue, together with impaired concentration or memory and other symptoms.
circadian cycle: The innate biological clock that regulates sleep and waking and that controls the daily ups and downs of physiologic patterns, including body temperature, blood pressure, and the release of hormones.
fatigue: A decrease over time in the ability to perform a physical or mental task. It includes muscle fatigue as well as central fatigue, which originates in the central nervous system and influences the perception of fatigue.
fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by pain and tenderness in muscles and joints, as well as by fatigue. Similar in many respects to chronic fatigue syndrome.
glucose: A simple sugar that circulates in the bloodstream and serves as a source of energy for cell metabolism. It's formed mainly by the digestion of carbohydrates.
hypothalamus: The part of the brain that controls the autonomic nervous system and that regulates sleep, appetite, body temperature, and other biological states.
insomnia: The inability to fall asleep or remain asleep long enough to feel rested.
insulin: The hormone that carries glucose from the blood into the cells.
mitochondria: Often called the body's energy factories, these small, threadlike structures within the cell's cytoplasm are where ATP, the energy molecule, is made.
myelin: A fatty material that surrounds and protects some types of nerve fibers.
neuromuscular junction: A tiny space between the end of a nerve and the surface of a muscle.
non-REM sleep: The type of sleep that includes deep sleep, the period considered most important for preventing daytime fatigue.
rapid eye movement (REM) sleep: A period of intense brain activity during sleep, often associated with dreams; named for the rapid eye movements that occur during this time.
suprachiasmatic nucleus: A small group of nerve cells that controls the sleep/wake cycle; located in the hypothalamus.
Resources
Organizations
American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 27 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 416 Chicago, IL 60606 847-258-7248 www.aacfs.org
This organization provides information about chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other causes of persistent fatigue and pain. Information about the latest therapies as well as updates on scientific studies are available on the Web site.
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America P.O. Box 220398 Charlotte, NC 28222 704-365-2343 www.cfids.org
This association offers information about symptoms, diagnosis, and therapies for chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as advice on insurance, workplace issues, and related legal matters. The Web site provides a reading list and a listing of support groups by state.
National Center for Infectious Diseases (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 800-311-3435 (toll free) www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs
This Web site includes information about diagnosis and treatment, how to select and find support groups, updates on research, and summaries of peer-reviewed articles on chronic fatigue syndrome by experts in the field.
National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association P.O. Box 18426 Kansas City, MO 64133 816-313-2000 www.ncfsfa.org
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping both patients and physicians deal with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Its Web site offers frequently updated links to information about diagnosis, research, treatment, and support groups.
Depression
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501 Chicago, IL 60610 800-826-3632 (toll free) www.dbsalliance.org
This nonprofit advocacy and support organization provides information about depression, publishes brochures and newsletters for patients, and provides referrals to local support groups.
National Institute of Mental Health 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892 866-615-6464 (toll free) www.nimh.nih.gov
The Web site of this federal agency provides up-to-date information on the symptoms of and treatments for depression, as well as links to resources and updates on depression research.
National Mental Health Association 2001 N. Beauregard St., 12th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311 800-969-6642 (toll free) www.nmha.org
This organization provides information on depression, including the latest research, as well as listings of local support groups and treatment providers.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Network P.O. Box 31750 Tucson, AZ 85751 800-853-2929 (toll free) www.fmnetnews.com
This organization's Web site offers free patient and health care provider brochures about fibromyalgia and related disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome. Members receive a quarterly newsletter providing updates on research, medications, coping strategies, and support groups.
National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association
See listing under "Chronic fatigue syndrome."
National Fibromyalgia Research Association P.O. Box 500 Salem, OR 97308 www.nfra.net
This nonprofit organization provides information about fibromyalgia, including updates on scientific research, links to patient organizations, and suggested books and other resources. This group also sponsors research and advocates on behalf of people with fibromyalgia.
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Author Info: Harvard Health Publications
Date Last Reviewed: 11-01-2005 Published Date: 01-23-2007 |
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