Chronic fatigue symdrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex illness that produces extreme fatigue over a prolonged period. The condition has also been called post viral fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome. The condition can be extremely debilitating and may continue for months or years.

Since the symptoms are so variable, chronic fatigue syndrome is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This makes it difficult to estimate the number of people affected, but it is though to be about 150,000 in the UK. The condition is most often seen in women aged between 25 and 45, but it can affect children or adults of any age and people from all ethnic groups.


What are the causes?

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although it is believed that several different factors are likely to be involved. In some cases, chronic fatigue syndrome develops after recovery from a viral infection or after an emotional trauma, such as bereayement. In other cases, there is no specific preceding illness or life event. Sometimes, chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with depression, although it is unclear whether depression is a result of the condition or cause of it.

What are the symptoms?

Although the number and severity of symptoms may vary, the major symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are:

- Extreme tiredness lasting at least 6 months.
- Impairment of short-term memory or concentration.
- Sore throat.
- Tender lymph nodes.
- Muscle and joint pain without swelling or redness.
- Un refreshing sleep.
- Headaches.
- Prolonged muscle fatigue and feeling ill after even mild exertion.

Many people who have chronic fatigue syndrome also develop symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest in their work and leisure activities, or of anxiety. Conditions involving an allergic reaction, such as eczema and asthma, may become worse in people who have chronic fatigue syndrome.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor may suspect chronic fatigue syndrome if you have had prolonged fatigue for more than 6 months with no obvious cause and you also have at least four of the other symptoms listed above. However, since persistent tiredness is a symptom of many other disorders, including an under-active thyroid gland or adrenal glands and anaemia, your doctor will try to exclude other causes first.

Your doctor will probably perform a general physical examination, and he or she may ask you questions to find out if you have psychological problems, such as depression. Blood tests may also be arranged. If no underlying cause is identified, a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome will be made if your symptoms meet the criteria. Since there is no specific diagnostic test for chronic fatigue syndrome, confirmation of the disorder can take some time.

What are the treatment?

Although there is no specific treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, there are a number of self-help measures that may help you to cope with the condition. Your doctor may give you drugs to help you to relieve some of your symptoms. For example, headaches and muscle and joint pain may be relieved by painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-depressant drugs may produce an improvement in your condition even if you have not developed symptoms of depression. You may find cognitive therapy and behavior therapy beneficial. A course of physiotherapy will help to build up your stamina. Your doctor may suggest counseling to help you to cope with your illness and jointing a support group may also be helpful.

What is the prognosis?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a long-term disorder, but there may be periods of relief from some symptoms. Many people find symptoms are worst in the first 1-2 years. In more than half of all cases, the condition clears up after several years.

WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

If you develop chronic fatigue syndrome, you are likely to have fluctuating energy levels. You will need to be flexible and adjust your lifestyle to help you to live with the condition. The following self-help measures may be useful:

- Graded exercise may be useful. Try to set yourself a progressive increase in activity week by week.
- Set realistic goals for yourself.
- Make dietary changes: in particular, reduce your intake of alcohol and cut out drinks containing caffeine.
- Try to reduce stress.
- Joint a support group so that you do not feel isolated.