Kenneth Friedman,Ph.D.
Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School
Medical Sciences Building , H-667
185 S. Orange Avenue
Newark , NJ 07103

Tel:(973) 972-4513

E-mail: friedman@njms.rutgers.edu

Radio Interview
Topic: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Alternative Treatments of Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic pain is usually associated with a traumatic injury. However, the recently identified syndromes of Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) both have chronic pain components. In both these syndromes, as well as other chronic pain conditions, traditional pharmacological agents may reduce pain but are insufficient to control it. To provide any quality of life for chronic pain sufferers, alternative methods must be devised and employed.

We hope to commence a preliminary clinical trial in which Pavlovian or Classical Conditioning will be used to reduce chronic pain and the dependency of chronic pain patients on analgesic medications. Previous studies have shown that such physiological responses as bronchodilation and insulin production can be influenced by classical conditioning. The ability to control such involuntary physiological responses by classical conditioning provides hope that chronic pain may also be controlled by this technique.

Music therapy is another possible method of reducing chronic pain. In collaboration with Dr. Joke Bradt of Montclair State University , we hope to determine if music therapy and/or music listening improves the lifestyle of chronic pain patients. The theory and hope is that music entering the brain through auditory pathways will outcompete the sensations of pain and provide relief to the chronic pain sufferer.

To learn more about CFS, click on the link to the Consensus Manual for the Primary Care and Management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The New Jersey State Legislature provided funding to the Academy of Medicine of New Jersey to produce and distribute this manual. It is the first manual in the United States designed to acquaint physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome, but is of interest to other health care professionals who treat CFS patients as well as the patients themselves. The lead chapter entitled, "Pathophysiology in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," presents a physiological view and review of this syndrome and includes recommendations for future research.

Radio Interview on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome