Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by chronic, debilitating fatigue that lasts at least six months. The fatigue is not relieved by bed rest and is often made worse by physical or mental activity. It is accompanied by symptoms that are severe enough to impair or interfere with daily activities. People who have CFS perform at a significantly lower level compared to their activity prior to the onset of the illness.
The cause of CFS is unknown. To discover possible triggers, researchers are studying the relationship between stress, the immune system, toxins, the central nervous system, and activation of latent virus.
Data has shown that the following factors seem to be associated with the development of CFS.
Symptoms vary from person to person. They include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications and will perform a physical exam. There are no specific diagnostic tests for CFS, but the doctor will perform several tests to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms.
The doctor will look for the following signs to determine if you have CFS:
The main goal of CFS treatment is to achieve symptom relief.
Treatments for CFS include:
CFS patients should avoid overexertion and physical and emotional stress. Moderate exercise that is monitored by a doctor or physical therapist may improve symptoms. Light exercise and stretching four hours before bedtime may help with sleep.
A well-balanced diet can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and weight fluctuations. Nutritional supplements cannot make up for an inadequate diet. Avoid foods that you may be sensitive to.
CFS can be mentally and physically debilitating. Depression is common among people with CFS. In fact, as many as half develop depression as a consequence of CFS. Psychotherapy and supportive counseling often help CFS patients cope with the disorder. Relaxation training, stress management , and sleep hygiene counseling may also help.
Cognitive behavioral therapy , activity pacing, and envelope theory can help you to learn how to moderate activity and spread it evenly throughout the day, without overexerting yourself.
Medications used to treat specific symptoms of CFS include:
The following experimental treatments are sometimes used for CFS, but have not been proven to be effective. Talk to your doctor before trying any experimental treatments.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America
http://www.cfids.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
American Academy of Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aap.org .
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Chronic fatigue syndrome. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec22/ch334/ch334b.html#sec22-ch334-ch334b-452 . Accessed on March 13, 2007.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: healthcare professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/healthcareprofessionals.htm . Accessed on March 13, 2007.
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov .
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Prins JB, Bleijenberg G, Bazelmans E, et al. Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a multicertre randomized controlled trial. Lancet . 2001;357:841-847.
Reeves WC, Wagner D, Nisenbaum R, et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome—a clinically empirical approach to its definition and study. BMC Medicine . 2005;3:19.
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Last reviewed February 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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