Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a perplexing disorder that causes persistent fatigue that lasts more than 6 months and is not relieved by more rest. It is estimated that more than a million people in the US have CFS; however, less than 20% of them have been diagnosed. Increased awareness by health care practitioners may help improve in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. CFS occurs in all ethnic groups. Although exact occurrence rates are not known, it is thought that women are 4 times more likely than men to be diagnosed. Women may be more likely than men to report symptoms which may affect this ratio. CFS can affect people of all ages including children but is most often reported in ages between 40 and 59. People of all income levels are diagnosed with CFS. A genetic link has not been demonstrated, although CFS may occur in the same family.

The Centers for Disease Control's International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group has developed standard diagnostic criteria. The primary trait of CFS is severe, unexplained persistent or relapsing fatigue of at least 6 month's duration. The chronic fatigue has both mental and physical aspects that result in daily activities including work, housework, and recreation. Even with significant rest, the fatigue will not be relieved. For diagnosis of CFS at least 4 other symptoms must be present. These include loss of memory or concentration, sore throat, painful and enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained muscle soreness, joint pain without swelling or redness, headache, sleep disturbance, and post exercise malaise. There are no abnormal lab values associated with CFS so diagnostic lab tests are used to rule out other causes of fatigue. The exact cause of CFS is not known. Potential causes include immune system dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, viral infections, hormonal disorders, and cardiovascular conditions but no strong associations have been determined.

Evidence exists that the sooner CFS treatment is started the greater the likelihood of improvement. Unfortunately, despite more than 3,000 studies that demonstrate real physical illness, many healthcare professionals in all disciplines still perceive as a psychosomatic disorder. Treatments include medication, nutritional and herbal supplements, exercise, counseling and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. There are no approved medications for CFS but some may be useful to treat secondary conditions such as depression.

More information on chronic fatigue syndrome can be found on the web sites for the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association.

Reference: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/advanstar/dt012808/index.php.

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]