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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder characterized by profound tiredness.
• The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome has not yet been identified.
• People with chronic fatigue syndrome suffer from exhaustion and are forced to function at a much lower level of activity than they did when healthy. Some people eventually recover, but others get progressively worse.
• There is no known treatment or cure for chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Prevention steps can be developed once the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is identifed.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder characterized by profound tiredness.

What is the infectious agent that causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is being studied but has not yet been identified. Some scientists believe that a virus, stress, or other traumatic condition might trigger the immune system and cause fatigue. Others believe that the disorder is related to the hormonal (endocrine) system or to psychological conditions. Or, the cause might be an as-yet-unidentified disease agent.

How do people get chronic fatigue syndrome?

No one knows.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

The main symptom is profound tiredness. People with chronic fatigue syndrome often become exhausted from only light physical activity and must function at a much lower level of activity than they did when healthy. Other symptoms reported by people with chronic fatigue syndrome are: weakness, muscle aches and pains, excessive sleep, fever, sore throat, tender lymph glands, forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and depression.

The recovery time varies widely. Some people eventually make a full recovery, but others seem to get progressively worse. People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have alternating times of illness and relatively good health. Some improve a bit but never fully recover.

How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?

No specific diagnostic tests are available. Diagnosis is based on a history of illness that suggests chronic fatigue syndrome and by systematic exclusion of other possible causes of a person's symptoms.

Who is at risk for chronic fatigue syndrome?

In the United States, most persons diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome are in the 25- to 45- year age group, and about 80% are women, mostly white. However, people of different races and ages have been diagnosed. Diagnosis in some groups might reflect cultural differences and differences in access to medical care. Studies are needed to determine risk factors for the disorder.

What is the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Without knowing the cause, it is difficult to identify effective treatments. A number of unproven and potentially dangerous so-called "treatments" have been given to chronic fatigue patients at exorbitant cost. Doctors can, however, prescribe medicines to relieve symptoms.

How common is chronic fatigue syndrome?

No one knows; estimates vary widely. CDC is currently conducting studies to determine how common chronic fatigue syndrome is in the United States.

How can chronic fatigue syndrome be prevented?

Prevention steps can be devised once the cause of chronic fatigue sydrome is identified.

Where can I find more information about chronic fatigue syndrome?

CDC Website

http://www.cdc.gov

This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above, consult a health-care provider.

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