by Gloria Gibson

Created on: June 23, 2008

About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFIDS is a very misunderstood illness that is calling for more attention as more and more people suffer from the illness. The main reason for the misunderstanding is that CFIDS symptoms are very similar to other diseases such as; fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivities, Gulf War Illness, Lyme disease, Lupus, or Hypothyroidism. Another reason is that there are no concrete markers of the disease that says, this is definitely CFIDS. Diagnosis is always very time consuming. Testing for diseases with similar symptoms must be done in order to rule them all out. Once done, the physician is left with the diagnosis of CFIDS. Unfortunately, the patient is left in medical limbo while all this testing is being done. This can be quite life changing as almost half of CFIDS patients are unable to work at any type of job. It's almost impossible to win social security with CFIDS diagnosis and it is imperative to have a physician that will support their need of Social Security to win. CFIDS patients are left with financial difficulties and often voice feelings of social isolation.

In 1994, a case definition was put in place to assist with diagnosis of CFIDS. This International Case Definition was initially used for research purposes, but began being used by physicians to assist with diagnosis. The Case Definition was revised in 2003 by the CDC. In this guideline, chronic fatigue was defined as fatigue lasting for six or more months.

First, a thorough medical and psychosocial history will be taken. There will be evaluations for depression and psychiatric disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, use of prescription, over the counter, or food supplements.
Second, an evaluation of mental status is completed. If there are any mood, personality, intellectual, or memory anomalies, then a psychiatric, neurological, or psychological studies are in order.
Third, will entail of a thorough physical examination.
Fourth, will include laboratory testing. Labs included will be: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum level of alanine aminotransferase, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, urinalysis, complete blood count with differential.

Occasionally, testing will be done to rule out multiple sclerosis. Other than that, other routine tests are not known to add to the diagnosis.

Chronic fatigue is usually ruled out if there is active disease that would cause the same symptoms. An example

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