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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a very complex condition in which the primary symptom is profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest. There are also several non-specific symptoms with this syndrome including weakness, muscle pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, earaches, tender lymph nodes and numerous others. To reach a diagnosis of CFS, symptoms need to be present for a minimum of six months. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) struggled for years to formally recognize and define this disorder due to the fact that the condition cannot be diagnosed by tests and the myriad of seemingly unrelated symptoms which can accompany it.

The cause(s) of this often disabling disorder is still elusive after more than twenty years of research. Avenues which have been explored include various infectious and psychological diseases. For several years, researchers thought that there was a relation between CFS and the Epstein Barr virus which causes mononucleosis. The most current research seems to be focusing on the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems. Some of this research is promising, but still far from conclusive.

A diagnosis of CFS is reached by a combination of reported symptoms and excluding other conditions which cause similar symptoms. Some of the diseases to be ruled out include hypothyroidism, major depressive disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders, subacute infections, and reactions to prescribed medications. Having had one of the above diseases does not exclude a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome if the disease has been treated and is under control.

One of the greatest challenges facing patients remains to be controversy within the medical profession as to whether the condition actually exists. Thankfully, there has been increasing awareness and research into the condition making health care professionals take it more seriously. In the past many patients have gone for several years before getting a diagnosis. Recent strides in medical awareness have made diagnosis a bit quicker in the last few years, however it can still take far longer than necessary. Some physicians grow frustrated when a patient presents themselves with symptoms so varied, especially when all of the tests come back normal. Many times this frustration leads to the patient being either brushed off as a hypochondriac or referred for psychological care.

In the past most diagnoses were made by a rheumatologist or immunologist. Now though, there are many primary care physicians who are well read on the syndrome and make the diagnosis without referring the patient to a specialist. The key factor is that the patient has to be their own advocate. If the body is sending strong signals that illness is present, do not give up if at first dismissed. It is key to keep searching until a helpful physician is found.

As there is no known cause, there is also no cure for CFS. Patients are usually treated with a combination of traditional and non traditional therapies; including pain medications, physical therapy, biofeedback, massage, chiropractic, and nutritional. For many patients it takes some time to find the right combination of treatments which provide relief. Some CFS patients go into remission, while others become disabled. Presently, the most common factor of CFS seems to be how different it is from one person to the next.

Learn more about this author, Tracy A. Moore.
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