Economic Aspects



As noted earlier, 66% of the sample was disabled, and only 15% were employed full-time. Of the interview subgroup, 77% reported significant financial hardship due to CFS. Participants reported that they had exhausted their savings and sense of security (14%), were forced into debt (27%), were forced to move (18%), and had become financially dependent on family (18%) or friends (1%). They often could not afford treatments and therapies (18%) and were dissatisfied with the lack of insurance coverage for alternative therapies and special nutritional needs. One participant spent $10,000 on alternative therapies alone.



Financial pressures also created significant stress and worry for the interview subgroup. One participant's marriage became strained because of his inability to work, and 27% reported that they had no economic choice but to push themselves to work despite worsening symptoms. Economic factors therefore contributed to illness severity and, perhaps, lack of recovery. Additionally, the interview subgroup experienced stress, mental strain, and depletion of energy from the rigorous application process for social security and disability benefits, stating that they lacked the stamina necessary to “prove” the extent of their disability. Eighteen percent reported relapses as a result of their efforts to obtain disability benefits.