Pain meets politics in focus on chronic fatigue

Uncertain causes
At the same time, officials recognized that they still don’t know for certain what causes the illness. There still is no medical test for it, nor a cure. It may be a collection of illnesses, with different mechanisms.

Reeves co-authored a 2004 article that found a decline in chronic fatigue in the first few months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A study published last year found that childhood abuse and neglect increased the likelihood of chronic fatigue in some patients.

Such findings may suggest a complex interaction between stress, genetics and other factors in why some people develop chronic fatigue. Or, according to Manu, it may suggest something else entirely — an absence of real physical illness.

“I don’t think there is much to it,” said Manu, a professor at Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He believes many of the skeptical researchers have moved on to other topics and have stopped talking about chronic fatigue.

Manu is one of only a few scientists still making such arguments. Others say scientific consensus has shifted away from Manu, and most doctors no longer doubt chronic fatigue is a real medical condition.

Moving past skepticism
The new ad campaign is playing a pivotal role in finally moving American society past skepticism, CFIDS Association officials said. As of the end of January, the spot has aired 4,425 times in 122 markets on 180 TV stations, McCleary said.

Advocates are also working with Hillenbrand, who is considered the highest-profile celebrity to speak often and openly about the condition. Celebrities make a big impression on many members of Congress, McCleary noted.

She recalled watching a hearing several years ago when the actor Anthony Edwards appeared before Congress to talk about autism. At the time, he was starring in the television hit “ER” as Dr. Mark Greene. “They treated him like he was a doctor,” she said.

Hillenbrand said it’s gratifying that most doctors and government officials are finally taking the condition seriously, and she appreciates how warmly she’s been treated by leaders such as President Bush.

“The first thing the president said to me when I first met him was, ‘Don’t get up!”’ said Hillenbrand, who has been to the White House four times, including for a screening of the “Seabiscuit” movie.

“It’s nice to know that there is understanding and compassion in high places.”

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