APN Clinical Seminar – Fatigue Syndromes

About this seminar: Fatigue syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome are a relatively common illness in Australia affecting around 0.2 – 0.7% of the population. Sufferers become ill across the lifespan, SES continuum, and on a range of other demographic markers. However, more women than men are affected (approx. 3:1). Despite on-going research efforts Fatigue syndromes endure with an unknown aetiology and are often much maligned by the public and the medical community alike. Patients are affected by illness for a median time period of 3-5 years and fatigue syndromes are associated with significant disability and distress, as well as representing significant community and personal cost.

This seminar will outline the current research findings for fatigue syndromes. Common signs and symptoms of illness, along with methods for the assessment and diagnosis of common fatigue syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), post infective fatigue syndrome (PIFS), post cancer fatigue syndrome (PCF) are presented. Differences from atypical depression are also discussed. The evidence-based treatment approach developed in conjunction with UNSW and used at the Fatigue Centre by clinical psychologists and exercise physiologists will be outlined in detail. The current controversy around the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy to treat fatigue syndromes will be explored.

About the presenters:

Blake Hamilton is a clinical psychologist and researcher who worked at the UNSW Fatigue Clinic service from 2007 to 2011 and developed the current fatigue program. In 2005 he was awarded a NSW Institute of Psychiatry research fellowship and completed doctor of clinical psychology and Master of Science degrees at the University of Sydney in 2008.  He has completed psychiatric research work for health services and universities in Sydney and London and recently returned from completing a research fellowship at the University of Zurich in fatigue related research. He also works with young people experiencing the first symptoms of mental health problems at headspace. He is also involved with the training and dissemination of the UNSW fatigue clinic program to other psychologists and exercise physiologists.

Tina Bogg is an exercise physiologist and researcher who worked at the UNSW Lifestyle Clinic from 2007 to 2010. During this time, she specialised in activity pacing and graded exercise therapy with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. She has experience in treating individuals with a variety of chronic health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, depression, cardiac and respiratory concerns. Her interest is in assisting people to apply healthy lifestyle behaviour changes and promote self-management. Tina has completed a Masters by Research in the area of exercise rehabilitation programs for children and adolescents with childhood cancer. She is currently employed part-time at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, providing exercise testing and prescription for children and adolescents. She is keen to expand these services in private practice through the Fatigue Centre, working with children and adolescents who require assistance with mental health conditions, musculoskeletal rehabilitation or weight management.

Registration (closes 22nd Feb): http://www.trybooking.com/ONCD

Cancellation Policy: No refunds, but attendee substitutions are allowed.