What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) consists of a disabling fatigue that lasts for longer
than six months. In addition, there are cognitive (e.g. impairment of long term
memory or concentration), musculoskeletal (e.g. muscle and/or joint pain and
tenderness) and sleep (e.g. disturbed sleep patterns, unrefreshing sleep) symptoms.
Altogether, this results in a substantial decline in social, occupational, educational
and personal activity.
There are no specific biological markers or diagnostic tests for CFS. Diagnosis is
made by excluding all other possible causes of the fatigue.
The management of CFS focuses on the relief of symptoms (e.g., headache, muscle
pain) and tackling associated problems, which may include sleep difficulties,
depression and social isolation.