Understanding myalgic encephomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome through research and personal experience with Dr. Leonard Jason

In this podcast episode, Dr. Leonard Jason discusses his 30+ years of research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a condition closely related to POTS. Sharing his personal journey with ME/CFS, he emphasizes the importance of understanding energy management through concepts like the energy envelope to manage symptoms. Dr. Jason critiques the reliance on cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise for treatment, advocating instead for strategies that respect the body's limitations to prevent relapses. He highlights the challenges in diagnosing ME/CFS due to varying diagnostic criteria and the need for an accurate, consistent case definition to differentiate it from other conditions, such as major depressive disorder. He also explores the implications of long-COVID, which has increased the prevalence of ME/CFS, drawing parallels between the conditions and emphasizing the need for improved research and treatment approaches.