Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With CFS | Resource Guide
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.
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.
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.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.