What is an Energy Limiting Condition (ELC)?
An energy limiting condition (ELC) is a term used to describe various long-term health conditions that significantly reduce a person's physical and cognitive energy levels. These conditions can affect the overall amount and pace of activity an individual can perform, rather than the type of activity. ELCs typically affect many parts and functions in the body, rather than affecting a specific organ or limb. Therefore, they often span several categories, such as mobility impairment, cognitive impairment and sensory sensitivity. For more information, visit the Astriid website.
Energy limiting conditions encompass a variety of illnesses where fatigue and energy impairment are key symptoms. Common examples include:
- Long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), chronic Lyme disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis
- Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Auto-immune conditions such as lupus, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
- Heart and circulatory conditions
- Inherited metabolic disorders
- Cancer and the effects of chemotherapy treatment
- Mental health conditions and being neurodivergent
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
- Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
For more information about this, Astriid have produced a useful PDF booklet called What are Energy Limiting Conditions?
Having an ELC can present a person with many different symptoms. Below is a list of some of those symptoms, although it should be noted that there are others:
- Chronic pain – muscle and/or joint pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – affecting bladder or bowel continence
- Autonomic dysfunction – such as orthostatic intolerance, i.e. limited ability to stand or be upright
- Sensory sensitivity
- Nausea, dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Migraine and flu-like symptoms
- Co-occurring depression and/or anxiety. This may be caused by the condition itself or be a reaction to loss and isolation.
Topics
The sections in this information hub cover a range of topics relating to energy limiting conditions. Click on the links below to go to the relevant section:
- Sleep and rest
- Stress
- Breathing
- Energy and pacing
- Gut health
- Wellbeing
- Family and personal networks
- Personal relationships and intimacy
- Self-care, identity and recovery
- Safeguarding
- Employers
- Children and young people
- Carers