Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disorder. It affects your brain and multiple parts of your body. It causes extreme fatigue and is not relieved by bed rest. Physical or mental fatigue often makes the condition worse. Symptoms last at least six months and are severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
There is no specific lab test or clinical sign for CFS. No one knows exactly how many people are affected by this illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, that as many as 500,000 people in the US have a CFS-like condition.
No one knows what causes CFS. For more than a century, doctors have reported seeing illnesses similar to it. In the 1860s, Dr. George Beard named the syndrome neurasthenia. He thought it was a nervous disorder with weakness and fatigue. Experiments in men supported his idea that the brain is somehow involved in CFS.
In the early 1980s, CFS was stereotyped as a new yuppie flu. People who sought help for their symptoms were primarily upper middle-class women in their thirties and forties. Since then, health experts have suggested other explanations for this baffling illness, including:
Doctors now report seeing the syndrome in people of all ages, races, and social and economic classes. It is also found in several countries around the world. Women are still more affected than men about 4:1.
Recovery time varies among individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You may recover to the point where you can resume work and other activities. You may continue to experience various or periodic CFS symptoms. CFS typically follows a cyclical course. It alternates between periods of illness and relative well-being. You may also recover completely with time.
What are the risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome? [hat What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome? [ow How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
What are the treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Are there screening tests for chronic fatigue syndrome?
[How can I reduce my risk of chronic fatigue syndrome?
[What questions should I ask my doctor?
What is it like to live with chronic fatigue syndrome?
Where can I get more information about chronic fatigue syndrome?
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. J Clin Virol.2006;37:139-150.
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet.2006;367:346-355.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ .
re can I Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disorder. It affects your brain and multiple parts of your body. It causes extreme fatigue and is not relieved by bed rest. Physical or mental fatigue often makes the condition worse. Symptoms last at least six months and are severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
There is no specific lab test or clinical sign for CFS. No one knows exactly how many people are affected by this illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, that as many as 500,000 people in the US have a CFS-like condition.
No one knows what causes CFS. For more than a century, doctors have reported seeing illnesses similar to it. In the 1860s, Dr. George Beard named the syndrome neurasthenia. He thought it was a nervous disorder with weakness and fatigue. Experiments in men supported his idea that the brain is somehow involved in CFS.
In the early 1980s, CFS was stereotyped as a new yuppie flu. People who sought help for their symptoms were primarily upper middle-class women in their thirties and forties. Since then, health experts have suggested other explanations for this baffling illness, including:
Doctors now report seeing the syndrome in people of all ages, races, and social and economic classes. It is also found in several countries around the world. Women are still more affected than men about 4:1.
Recovery time varies among individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You may recover to the point where you can resume work and other activities. You may continue to experience various or periodic CFS symptoms. CFS typically follows a cyclical course. It alternates between periods of illness and relative well-being. You may also recover completely with time.
What are the risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome? What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome? How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
What are the treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Are there screening tests for chronic fatigue syndrome?
How can I reduce my risk of chronic fatigue syndrome?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
What is it like to live with chronic fatigue syndrome?
Where can I get more information about chronic fatigue syndrome?][13]
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America website. Available at: http://www.cfids.org/ .
Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. J Clin Virol.2006;37:139-150.
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet.2006;367:346-355.
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop chronic fatigue syndrome with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing CFS. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for developing CFS may include:
Gender
CFS is diagnosed one and half times more often in women than in men. This may be due to biological, psychological, and/or social influences. For example:
However, an increasingly diverse patient group seems to be emerging as more doctors recognize chronic fatigue syndrome as a real medical disorder.
Age
CFS is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 50. It can develop in people of all age groups, including teenagers and young children.
Personality Factors
Some research suggests that people who are highly active and achievement-oriented may be more at risk for developing CFS. However, perhaps this personality type increases the risk only after exposure to new mental stress or viral infections.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. J Clin Virol.2006;37:139-150.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ .
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet.2006;367:346-355.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may occur suddenly after you have a cold, bronchitis, hepatitis, or an intestinal infection. Symptoms may follow a bout of infectious mononucleosis (mono), which is caused by a virus that temporarily saps your energy. CFS can also begin after a period of high stress. Sometimes it develops more gradually, with no clear illness or other event noted as a starting point.
Unlike flu symptoms that usually go away in a few days or weeks, symptoms of CFS persist or recur in cycles for at least six months in 50% of time. CFS symptoms vary from person to person. Since 1994, the guidelines for diagnosing CFS include, in addition to a six-month history of fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest, at least four of the following eight symptoms:
In addition to the eight diagnostic symptoms, patients with CFS can also suffer from:
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Craig T, Kakumanu S. Chronic fatigue syndrome: evaluation and treatment. Am Fam Physician.2002;65:1083-1090.
Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. J Clin Virol.2006;37:139-150.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ .
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet.2006;367:346-355.
A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is based on the following criteria:
If you have these symptoms, your doctor will conduct more tests. The tests will look for other causes of the symptoms. This may involve:
Medical Evaluation
Your doctor will ask you for a detailed medical history. A complete physical exam will be done.
Standardized Lab Tests
You will receive a standard series of tests. This should help your doctor identify other possible causes of illness. If no cause is identified, your doctor may make a diagnosis of CFS.
The number and type of tests may vary depending on your history. The following tests are often used to exclude other causes of fatiguing illness:
If one of the tests above suggest an illness, your doctor may order more tests. This is done to confirm an illness other than CFS. Additional tests may include:
Psychological/Neurological Tests
Your doctor may want to assess the impact of CFS on certain mental skills. You may have tests for your concentration, memory, and organization. You may also be given a personality assessment. This can help to determine your coping abilities. It is also done to identify any coexisting affective disorders. This includes depression , panic disorder , or other anxiety disorders .
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Craig T, Kakumanu S. Chronic fatigue syndrome: evaluation and treatment. Am Fam Physician.2002;65:1083-1090.
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet.2006;367:346-355.
There are no guidelines for preventing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Research is under way for a better understanding of CFS and ways to prevent it. However, it is sensible to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Moreover, try to avoid the use of the following drugs since they are known to cause fatigue:
Address:
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone:
1-800-311-3435
Internet Address:
http://www.cdc.gov
Description of Services Provided:
The CDC provides information on CFS for consumers and professionals, including diagnostic criteria, treatment, support groups, research on CFS, and a variety of publications addressing CFS in different populations.
Address:
CFIDS Association of America
PO Box 220398
Charlotte, NC 28222-0398
Phone:
1-704-365-2343
Internet Address:
http://www.cfids.org
Description of Services Provided:
This site provides a variety of information for consumers, youth, and professionals, including self-assessment, information on managing and living with CFS, legal issues, support groups, and a reading list.
Address:
NIAD Office of Communications & Public Liaison
6610 Rockledge Drive
MSC 6612
Bethesda, MD 20892-6612
Phone:
301-496-5717
Internet Address:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov
Description of Services Provided:
This site provides an excellent resources page for people with CFS. They direct you to information on disability benefits, CFS doctors, local support groups, and national organizations.
References:
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America website. Available at: http://www.cfids.org/ .
Craig T, Kakumanu S. Chronic fatigue syndrome: evaluation and treatment. Am Fam Physician.2002;65:1083-1090.
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet.2006;367:346-355.
You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with CFS. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About CFS
About Treatment Options
About Lifestyle Changes
About Outlook
