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.
