Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder wherein a person feels extremely fatigued most of the time, but the feeling does not improve through rest or sleep.  Chronic fatigue may worsen when the sufferer undergoes physical or mental activities.

According to the Mayo Clinic, CFS is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or systemic exertion intolerance disease. Although both conditions are characterized by the same key symptom of chronic fatigue, there is variation between the definitions of these disorders.

The specific cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known, although experts have suggested a number of causal factors including viral infections and psychological stress.  However, CFS cannot necessarily be explained by one underlying medical condition, and the symptom of chronic fatigue may be triggered by multiple factors or conditions.

One of the challenges for someone suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome is that there is no single specific test to prove a diagnosis.  Individuals who are suffering from persistent and unexplained fatigue should see their doctor, who will likely need to perform several medical tests to dismiss other health conditions, such as infection, mononucleosis or lupus, in order to make a diagnosis.  Typically, CFS is treated by focusing on alleviating the symptoms.

Chronic fatigue syndrome typically exhibits with the following signs and symptoms.

• Persistent fatigue
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Loss of concentration or memory
• Muscle pain that is unexplained
• Pain that moves from joint to joint with no redness or swelling
• Previously unexperienced headaches
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or neck
• Extreme exhaustion after physical/mental exercise, that last more than 24 hours

The medical community is unsure of the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but viral infections, immune system problems and hormonal imbalances are some of the factors that may lead to CFS.  Stress, age, childhood trauma and gender are factors thought to increase the likelihood of developing chronic fatigue syndrome.  Individuals in their 40’s and 50’s have more often shown symptoms of CFS.  Also, women more frequently suffer from this condition.

Some of the stressors or challenges that may instigate chronic fatigue syndrome are serious car accidents, military experiences and other traumatic events.  For example, higher rates of CFS were identified among Gulf War veterans.  Also, victims of Hurricane Andrew suffered relapses of CFS.  

Some researchers believe that adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, may change the way our body responds to stress.  In this way, harmful experiences may increase the risk of developing CFS as an adult, particularly after being involved in a stressful experience such as a serious car accident. Studies have discovered that adults with CFS reported higher levels of childhood mistreatment.   Although adversity during childhood increases the risk of suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, it is not the cause for this disorder and doesn’t explain why others who never experienced childhood trauma also developed this condition.

In addition to the effects of the primary symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS has been known to lead to other serious complications, including depression, work absenteeism, social isolation and restrictions in lifestyle.

Individuals suffering from CFS need to seek medical help in alleviating their symptoms. Overexertion and emotional stress should be avoided as much as possible. Stretching and light exercise may aid in sleeping, but patients are advised to first discuss a planned exercise regime with a physician or physical therapist.  Some of the treatments that may relieve CFS symptoms include cognitive behavioural therapy and pacing of daily activities.   Medications that may treat specific symptoms include antidepressants to improve sleep and treat depression, anti-anxiety medication for panic attacks, as well as pain and anti-inflammatory medication.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/news/features/childhood_adversity.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/basics/symptom