FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

It is an incapacitating illness that is characterized by prolonged fatigue.

Who gets chronic fatigue syndrome?

It can affect people of all ages and races, however, it affects females two to four times more than males.

How is it diagnosed?

It is difficult to diagnose. There are no specific tests that can be done to diagnose the disease. A medical history is taken and a physical exam performed, and several laboratory tests may be done. The diagnosis is made only after diseases with similar symptoms are ruled out.

What causes this disease?

Unfortunately, the cause in currently unknown, although there is much research being done.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually include extreme tiredness that develops either gradually or suddenly and either comes and goes or is continual. Some patients report symptoms occurring after an illness such as a cold or the flu, or a period of increased stress. Others report nothing unusual prior to start of symptoms.

Other symptoms, in addition to severe fatigue can include muscle and joint pains, recurrent sore throat, intermittent enlarged glands in the neck and armpits, depression, loss of appetite, feeling faint or dizzy, difficulty with short-term memory and concentration.

How is it treated?

Treatment can be extremely frustrating for both the patient and the physician because there is no specific treatment for the disease. Although there is no specific treatment, your physician may recommend the many of the following to alleviate symptoms:

Avoiding excess physical and psychological stress, eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient rest, doing light exercises to prevent muscle weakness and increase energy level, but not enough to cause the person's fatigue to worsen, medication to treat depression, use of acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to relieve headaches and muscle and joint pain. Counseling or participation in a support group can be beneficial in coping with this disease.

Is this a psychological illness?

It is not a psychological illness. Depression or anxiety may result from having this disease and is one reason that it is often misdiagnosed. Physical symptoms usually help to distinguish between psychological illness and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Is massage therapy beneficial?

Therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can be beneficial.

What is the prognosis?

Unfortunately, for people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, the prognosis is unpredictable. Some people recover after a few months, while for others it can take a year or more. Some recover to a moderate degree, some minimally, and others become worse over time.