[lindsaywaterman]

I just want to clarify that I absolutely agree that there are a multitude of pathophysiologoc changes in cfsers, including mitochondrial dysfunction, hrv changes, ongoing viral reactivations, deranged cytokines etc. I think the difference in our opinions is just that I my opinion, these physiological changes are downstream of cns dynamics in the lateral frontal pole, pituitary gland, amygdala, and cerebral cortex. At any rate - thanks for your thoughts.

[Llamamoe]

I'm not convinced. The human brain is an organ like any other- evolution had vested interest in keeping its function adaptive, and to this extent even social stress induced depression and vulnerability are adaptive responses. Most severe chronic illness - mental or otherwise - isn't.

[lindsaywaterman]

Thanks for your response - I see cfs as the result of almost “wear and tear” on the system. I think the “push-through” approach to life that many cfsers had prior to developing the disorder is very adaptive. I often meet v cfsers who had been v high functioning in their careers. It’s just that the adaptive response is not sustainable long term for some people…thanks for listening and cheers!