Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Quiz: Symptoms & Treatment

By definition, a chronic disease is one that persists for a long time, typically lasting three months or more. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines nor do they simply disappear. A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) includes a person having chronic fatigue for 6 or more consecutive months, among other diagnostic criteria. There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fatigue, in medical terminology, refers to the state of reduced capacity for work or accomplishment following a period of mental or physical activity.

Increased irritability leading to a shortened temper is not a characteristic of CFS. In addition to fatigue, CFS includes characteristic symptoms such as:
- Post-exertional malaise (relapse of symptoms after physical or mental exertion)
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Substantial impairment in memory/concentration
- Pain
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects more than 1 million people in the United States, and research indicates CFS is most common in people in their 40s and 50s.

There are many illnesses that can mimic symptoms of CFS. These include:

- Hypothyroidism
- Sleep apnea and narcolepsy
- Major depressive disorders
- Chronic mononucleosis
- Bipolar affective disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Subacute infections
- Obesity
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Reactions to prescribed medications

Typically, symptoms of CFS can include muscle pain, pain in multiple joints, sore throat, and tender, swollen neck or armpit lymph glands.

There is no single diagnostic laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). People who suffer symptoms of CFS must be carefully evaluated by a physician because many medical and psychiatric conditions mimic CFS.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is not caused by depression, although the two illnesses often coexist in a patient. It is important to note that many patients with CFS have no psychiatric disorder.

Since there is no known cure for CFS, treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms and symptom management, which can include lifestyle changes and physical therapy.

CFS affects women at four times the rate of men. Also, although CFS is much less common in children than in adults, children can develop the illness, particularly during the teen years.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and their consequences can be severe. CFS can be as disabling as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, and other conditions.

In some cases, CFS develops after an illness such as mononucleosis, influenza (flu), or after a period of unusual stress. Chronic fatigue syndrome may also develop without warning, even if you have not been sick.

Fibromyalgia symptoms are most similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. Fibromyalgia does not cause sore throat or lymph gland swelling as is seen in chronic fatigue syndrome. Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia, while fatigue is the main symptom of CFS.