Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms and Current Treatments

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), now sometimes referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating condition of extreme fatigue that persists for more than 6 months and causes a substantially lower level of occupational, educational, or social functioning than experienced prior.

People with CFS have fatigue that worsens with exertion but does not improve with rest and may also include cognitive impairment and other symptoms, such as lightheadedness. It is diagnosed by a thorough medical evaluation. Symptoms often last for years, although many people experience some improvement in symptoms with time.

While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with medication & lifestyle changes.

Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms

Main symptoms

CFS is a chronic disease that can affect anyone and substantially limit life activities. It consists of a variety of symptoms, including:

• Substantial decline in function: People with CFS are unable to engage in occupational, educational, social, or personal activities at the level they were able to prior to developing the syndrome.
• Fatigue: Onset of tiredness is often abrupt. Rest does not significantly alleviate fatigue in CFS.
• Post-exertional malaise: Fatigue worsens substantially after cognitive, emotional, or physical activity.
• Unrefreshing sleep

Other symptoms

In addition to the major symptoms above, other symptoms may occur:

• Viral syndrome: Many people report swollen lymph nodes, fever, and common cold symptoms at the onset of CFS.
• Cognitive impairment: Difficulties with attention, memory, or problem solving that are worsened by exertion. People with CFS may have difficulty finding words they want to say or feel like they’re in a “brain fog” after exertion.
• Orthostatic intolerance: Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting upon standing or sitting up.
• Pain: This includes headaches, joint pains, and muscle aches.
• Immune impairment

Chronic fatigue syndrome causes

Despite extensive research, the underlying cause of CFS remains unknown. Some researchers believe that the condition will eventually be shown to be a complex interplay of genetic, infectious, and environmental factors.

• Immunological factors: A variety of immune system abnormalities (including low levels of certain antibodies and decreased effectiveness of certain immune cells) have been demonstrated in CFS.
• Hormones: Levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, have been found to be consistently lower in people with CFS.
• Infections: CFS can follow infection with Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that causes mononucleosis), and possibly other viruses, but it is not currently thought that all causes of CFS are due to infection or that CFS is due to ongoing viral infection.
• Genetic predisposition: CFS has been found to run in families, suggesting a possible common genetic predisposition.
• Psychosocial factors: A history of trauma has also been suggested as contributing to CFS. Others have suggested that CFS may be related to manifestations of depression, anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder.

Who is most likely to be affected

Although CFS can affect anyone, it has been found to affect some groups of people more commonly than others.

• Age: CFS is common in young-middle adulthood, with an average age of onset of 33. However, it has been known to affect people throughout the lifespan, including children and the elderly.
• Women: Women are affected twice as often as men.

Treatment options and prevention

Many people with CFS experience some improvement in symptoms, although most do not fully recover. Treatment focuses on addressing individual symptoms, like sleep, fatigue, pain, depression, and anxiety. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Therapists trained in CBT focus on the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT usually occurs in weekly sessions over several months. CBT for CFS can help you understand how your thoughts about activities lead to behaviors that ultimately make you feel more tired. Some research shows that CBT may help reduce fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Graded exercise treatment

People with CFS can get post-exertional malaise, which is a worsening of symptoms after even minor activity. Carefully planned exercise programs that gradually increase your levels of activity over a period of time may be effective for fatigue and functional impairment, but more research is needed.

Treating symptoms of CFS

There are separate strategies to help treat common symptoms of CFS.

• Sleep disturbances: Poor sleep can be treated with lifestyle changes like sleep hygiene and, in some cases, other specific interventions.
• Depression: Depression can be treated with certain antidepressants, like sertraline (Zoloft) or with psychotherapy (talk therapy).
• Pain: Chronic pain can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter or prescription medications, as recommended by your physician.

*Caution about unproven treatments: Avoid treatments that are not supported by evidence, such as antivirals, immunosuppressants, stimulants, elimination diets, and amalgam extractions, as these may have side effects and minimal benefits.

Prevention

More research is needed to better understand how to prevent CFS. However, it’s generally advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Getting quality sleep every night
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Practicing good hygiene to protect yourself from viruses: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid people who are sick.

When to seek further consultation

If you feel tired all the time

A wide variety of medical conditions can result in feeling tired all the time. If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, see your primary care physician for an appropriate evaluation. Since fatigue can occur across so many conditions, you may need to work with your physician over multiple appointments to reach the correct diagnosis.

If you are unable to function at your previous level of activity

If you experience an abrupt and significant decline in your ability to perform tasks at home or work, due to cognitive difficulties, fatigue, or physical discomforts, report this concern to your physician. CFS, along with other conditions, can be debilitating and you could benefit from specific treatments or services.

If you are not getting quality sleep

Quality sleep is critical for optimal health and wellbeing. If you do not wake up feeling well-rested, report these concerns to your physician. Your physician may recommend testing for a sleep disorder or provide recommendations to help you get the sleep you need.