Over a third of patients suffering chronic fatigue conditions believe complementary therapy and alternative medicine is more effective than traditional medicine.

The study carried out at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen found people with conditions such as ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy) had relief from their symptoms when using complementary and alternative medicine.

34% of participants in the study believed that complementary therapy and alternative medicine methods were more effective in alleviating symptoms such as pain, low energy and general feelings of being unwell than conventional medicine.

60% believed complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) kept them well and 73% reported improvements to their health after using CAMs.

Those who used chiropractic, 83% said they were very satisfied and 46.3% believed a combination of complementary therapy and alternative medicine with orthodox medicine was better than using traditional medicine alone for treatment.

“Many patients who have a long-term fatigue condition turn to alternative therapies because they feel that orthodox treatments failed to work for them, or because they experienced a lack of support from their healthcare team, ” said lead researcher Dr Yash Kumarasamy.

“Patients need to know how important it is to consult a healthcare professional before they take complementary or alternative medicines, or stop taking prescription medication.”

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