CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
Experts define the condition as unexplained chronic fatigue if no identifiable medical or psychological problems account for fatigue that has lasted more than six months, sometimes lasting several years.

CFS is diagnosed in people meeting the following criteria:
Four or more of the following symptoms must have been present for longer than six months:

• short-term memory loss or a severe inability to concentrate that affects work, school, or other normal activities
• sore throat
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• muscle pain
• pain without redness or swelling in a number of joints
• intense or changing patterns of headaches
• unrefreshing sleep
• after any exertion, weariness that lasts for more than a day
• The fatigue must be severe
• The fatigue must be a new (not lifelong) condition with a definite time of onset.

Fatigue is only the beginning. Many people with CFS have flulike symptoms, such as sore throat, painful lymph nodes and aching muscles. Others have problems concentrating and bouts of confusion and forgetfulness. Muscular pains, flu-like symptoms, and mood changes are also common -- and overlap with the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. The signs and symptoms of CFS vary from person to person and in severity. Specific symptoms may "come and go."

What causes chronic fatigue syndrom (CFS)?
No one knows for sure.
Links with several different viral infections have been suggested but have not proven through medical research. Current research does show some evidence of abnormalities of the immune (infection-fighting) system -- hence the name chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome -- and of the nervous system.

Who Gets Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious public health concern affecting about three in every 1000 Americans. This disorder occurs in both sexes and all racial and ethnic groups, but is most common in Caucasian women.

Some studies indicate that women with gynecologic problems such as irregular menstrual cycles may face an even higher risk than others. There appears to be no difference in severity in symptoms between men and women who already have CFS.

Chronic fatigue is most often experienced by patients 20 to 50 years old. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also more often reported in people who are well educated. Such people, however, are more likely to seek medical help, be aware of chronic fatigue syndrome as a specific disorder, and have health insurance.

Tne study has indicated that the problem is more widespread and that the disease is under-diagnosed in lower-income and some ethnic groups. One study of nurses found that those who were exposed to poor working conditions and threats of accidents faced a higher risk for CFS symptoms, indicating that people in very stressful jobs may be at risk.

Is there a cure for CFS?
There is no known cure for CFS. Your doctor will likely explore a wide range of therapies with you to find the course of treatment that works best to relieve your symptoms.

Since no specific treatment plan for CFS has been developed, several ideas and approaches have to be tried before the patient notes any type of improvement. The physician and the patient should be open to such options and keep in perspective that any anticipated improvement may occur only in small periods.

Cheney -- Research Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
New Hope For CFS Patients -- Clinical Trial of SomatoMed^TM

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