Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is the medical name for a condition of extreme and persistent fatigue. For a diagnosis of CFS to be made certain specific criteria must be met. People suffering with CFS and the general public often refer to the condition as "chronic fatigue".
What's in a name? It can be confusing. Chronic fatigue is also a symptom of many chronic conditions such as:
What is the difference between chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome?
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue refers to a sensation of exhaustion during or after usual daily activities, or a lack of energy to begin these activities. Most people have fatigue at one time or another in their lives. Fatigue may result from:
- exertion
- lack of sleep
- illnesses such as colds
Fatigue is not extreme or persistent. Instead, it generally goes away after getting more rest or recovering from a cold.
What Is Chronic Fatigue?
Chronic fatigue occurs when symptoms of exhaustion or lack of energy last over 6 months. Chronic fatigue is a symptom of many chronic conditions including:
Although the exact cause of chronic fatigue is unknown, factors believed to play a role in its symptoms include:
- infection
- hormone levels
- stress
Chronic fatigue often results from sleep disturbances, usually insomnia, in combination with chronic pain and depression. In addition, other factors can also contribute to chronic fatigue symptoms including:
- stress
- physical inactivity and lack of exercise
- poor diet
- certain medications
Social and cultural factors are also believed to play a role in chronic fatigue symptoms. People with mobility-limiting disorders often experience chronic fatigue.
Regardless of the causes, chronic fatigue has a major impact on day-to-day functioning and an arthritis patients quality of life.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is the medical name for a condition of extreme and persistent fatigue. However, according to NIAMS, to have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must meet the following criteria:
At the same time, have four or more of the following symptoms:
- substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
- sore throat
- tender lymph nodes
- muscle pain
- joint pain in multiple joints without swelling or redness
- headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- unrefreshing sleep
- discomfort after physical activity that lasts more than 24 hours
The symptoms must have persisted or recurred during 6 or more consecutive months and must not have predated the fatigue. When there is no apparent explanation or cause of chronic fatigue, such as a disease, a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is given.
It should be noted, according to A.D.A.M., a number of other conditions do overlap or often co-exist with chronic fatigue syndrome that also have similar symptoms. In fact, in one study of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome it was found that only 38 percent of patients had a sole diagnosis. The others also had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, or both. It still is not clear if these conditions or others are risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome, are direct causes, have common causes, or have no relationship at all with chronic fatigue syndrome.
More Information About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at About
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at CDC
- In-Depth Report: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.
What Can Be Done About Chronic Fatigue?
Talk To Your Doctor
If you think you may be struggling with chronic fatigue, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Symptoms that are particularly important to discuss include:
- anxiety
- depression
- insomnia
- pain
Medications
It is also important to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking, including dietary supplements, natural remedies, and complementary treatments. Some medications can exaggerate the symptoms listed above. For example, stimulants (such as caffeine) as well as corticosteroids may cause sleep disturbances. Your doctor can provide guidance on what medications and interventions may restore your sleep, as well as advice on medications to avoid.
Chronic Pain
It is also important to discuss chronic pain symptoms with your doctor because chronic pain often leads to sleep difficulties, which in turn leads to chronic fatigue. Your doctor may order laboratory tests to determine if organ involvement may be causing chronic fatigue.
Exercise / Weight Control
For those with arthritis, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular exercise may also help reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Related Resources - Chronic Fatigue
Sources: Chronic Fatigue Research: Challenges and Opportunities, June 2003, NIAMS , National Institutes of Health; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, A.D.A.M., Inc.
