Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Overview
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Questions to Ask the Doctor
• Exams and Tests
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Other Therapy
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Support Groups and Counseling
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related chronic fatigue syndrome articles:
  Chronic fatigue syndome - on MedicineNet

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Overview

Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called CFS) is a disorder without a known cause, although CFS may be related to a previous infection. CFS is a state of chronic fatigue that exists without other explanation for 6 months or more and is accompanied by cognitive difficulties (problems with short-term memory or concentration). You may have CFS if you meet the following criteria:

• If you have severe chronic fatigue for 6 months or longer and all other known conditions that could cause fatigue have been excluded by your health care provider
  
  
• If you simultaneously have 4 or more of the following symptoms: significant problems with short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, pain in several joints without swelling or redness, headaches that are different in pattern or severity from previous headaches, feeling tired and unrefreshed even after sleeping, and extreme tiredness lasting more than 24 hours after you exercise or exert yourself

Chronic fatigue syndrome affects tens of thousands of people. It occurs more commonly in females than in males. This condition occurs most commonly in young to middle-aged adults. People with CFS are often unable to perform normally at work and home because of their long-term fatigue and problems with short-term memory. This can lead to depression, but depression is not a cause of CFS.

Next: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes »

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Last Editorial Review: 4/29/2008