Dietary Supplementation for Fatigue Symptoms in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression - an Exploratory Study

Myalgic Encaphalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a neuroimmunological disease that mostly occurs after viral infection (e.g. COVID-19). ME/CFS patients suffer from neurocognitive, autonomic and immunological symptoms in addition to severe fatigue, significantly limiting their level of activity. Depression, a mental disorder that manifests itself in a low mood, loss of interest, lack of drive and joylessness, is a common comorbidity of ME/CFS. There is an intensive scientific discourse on the underlying pathomechanisms of both ME/CFS and depression due to their heterogenous clinical manifestations and multisystemic nature.
The project aims to differentiate the concepts of ME/CFS and depression using a phenomenological approach that includes symptoms, help-seeking behavior and lifestyle aspects focusing on nutrition. We want to determine whether and which therapeutic interventions, especially consumption of Dietary Supplements, are perceived as helpful in patients with ME/CFS and depression.
The results of this study may be a step towards a better understanding of ME/CFS and depression, identifying helpful interventions that lead to a better quality of life of people affected, and bridging the gap until the underlying mechanisms are understood and therapies are approved and available.
The project is carried out in cooperation with Prim. PD. Dr. Beate Schrank, MSc., PhD (Department of General Psychiatry, Vienna Health Association Clinic Ottakring) and Assoc.-Prof. PD Dr. med. Univ. Nilufar Mossaheb, M.Sc. (Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna).