Here is an archive of your questions and Dr. Clarke’s answers. If you would like to submit a question, please see our question form. Dr. Clarke cannot provide individual medical advice or answer every question. Answers to questions that represent a general concern will appear on this page.
Q: I have suffered for ten years with what MD's call "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia." To me, this is nothing more than constant PAIN, and fatigue I can't get over. I read your book but it does not address these conditions. Please help.
A: The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are unknown. Many patients with these conditions improve when hidden stresses in their lives are uncovered and managed successfully. This is the approach used in my book. Since this was not successful you will need to look elsewhere for answers. Though not an endorsement, you might look at the following web sites: www.cdc.gov/cfs/, www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/DS00395 and www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for recovering from an Eating Disoder. My eating disoder is a result of my anxiety/stress/abuse from childhood. Mom & dad were both addicts. All of us kids now have maladaptive coping techniques.
A: In my patients, eating disorders are nearly always a consequence of a chaotic childhood. They are, in a sense, a coping technique called upon by a mind under severe strain that is determined to survive. I urge my patients not to feel shame or embarassment because the eating disorder just shows how determined they are to recover from childhood trauma. There are no easy answers. Working with an experienced mental health professional is essential and most people find that overcoming the eating disorder is not as difficult as surviving the childhood traumas. There is much hope in that.
Q:I have seen six doctors and the cause for my symptoms has not been found. What should I do now?
A:This is why They Can’t Find Anything Wrong was written. This question can’t be answered in a paragraph but you can start by making a list of every stress you have in your life at the moment and those you have survived in the past. Then pick two or three stresses on the list and do your best to relieve them. Often that small change will make a difference and start you on the path to recovery. Remember that until your illness is gone, you should continue to work with a qualified doctor to determine if a condition other than stress illness is responsible.
Q:What is post-traumatic stress?
A:This stress follows an experience that caused horror or terror. Examples include surviving an assault or serious accident, being in military combat, witnessing violence or enduring the unanticipated or violent death of a loved one. Bodily symptoms may result and so can psychological symptoms, a few of which include distressing memories of the trauma that intrude into your thoughts, nightmares and strong emotional reactions to any reminders of the trauma.