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Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Many support groups are available for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, but not everyone with CFS will find a support group useful. Groups can add more stress for some people rather than relieving it. When considering joining a support group, think about the following:

• A useful group involves both newcomers and people who have had CFS for a longer time.



• You should feel comfortable with the people in the group.



• Group leaders should make shy members feel welcome and prevent others from dominating discussions. Discussions should provide you with useful information.



• Established groups are often more useful because the history of the group may indicate that it is stable and meets the needs of its members.



• Groups that promise immediate cures and solutions are probably unrealistic.



• Some group discussions are merely complaint sessions and do not offer helpful information or constructive discussions.



• Avoid any group that encourages you to stop the multimodality therapy prescribed by your doctor.



• Groups should not require you to reveal personal or sensitive information.



• Groups should not charge high fees or require you to buy products.

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