It may be sad reflection on the human psyche that it is only when one becomes a sufferer of the enigmatic clinical disorder known a s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) that "understanding" and insight into the illness is readily available. Nevertheless, Jackson's book vividly provides this perspective. The book begins as a personal account of the illness, which abruptly took him from the role as active general practitioner to a circumstance of prolonged and disabling symptoms, which forced him to discontiniue practice. However, the story has a happy ending as recovery ultimately did come after several years of suffering.

With the benefit of this personal experience and from the vantage point of an experienced general practitioner, Jackson then provides a well-balanced overview of the state of knowledge regarding CFS and concludes with generally pragmatic advice on management. There is a sensible balance provided with regard to the contraversial role of mood disturbance in the symptom set (generally recommending treatment if intercurrent depression is evident).

The only quibble I had was the somewhat uncritical inclusion of some poorly validated interventions, such as surgery for putative Arnold-Chiari malformation and about some of the alternative therapies, including vitamin supplementation. However, these are generally suggested with caution and recognition of their proven merit.

Sufferers of CFS and their relatives are the target audience of this book. Presented in a very readable style, it is a useful addition to the plethora of books which generally endorse the unrealistic quick cure for this poorly understood condition.

Reprinted from Emerge, Autumn 2001.