Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes you to feel exhausted and unable to do the things you normally do. It can have a major impact on your life.
The exact cause of CFS is unknown. However, it's thought to be the result of a combination of physical, psychological and social factors.
CFS can affect people of any age, but it's most common in adults aged 40 to 60. Women are more likely to be affected than men.
There's no single test for CFS and no known cure. However, treatments are available that can help relieve the symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you think you may have CFS, it's important to see your GP. They can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and refer you to a specialist for further assessment.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of CFS is severe fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and can get worse with physical or mental activity.
Other symptoms include:
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muscle pain
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joint pain
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headaches
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poor concentration and memory
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sore throat
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enlarged lymph nodes
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sleep problems
These symptoms can vary in severity from day to day, or even within the same day. They can also come and go over time.
Causes
The exact cause of CFS is unknown. However, it's thought to be the result of a combination of physical, psychological and social factors.
Possible physical causes include:
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viral infections – such as Epstein-Barr virus, which is the virus that causes glandular fever
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immune system problems – such as an abnormal immune response to an infection
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hormonal problems – such as an imbalance of the hormones adrenalin, cortisol and thyroid hormone
Possible psychological and social causes include:
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stress – such as work-related stress or stress from a personal relationship
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mental health conditions – such as anxiety or depression
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a history of abuse or trauma – such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse
Risk factors
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing CFS, including:
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a family history of CFS
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having another long-term condition – such as ME, fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis (MS)
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stressful life events – such as bereavement, relationship problems or work-related stress
Prevention
There's no known way to prevent CFS. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition, such as:
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getting regular exercise
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eating a healthy, balanced diet
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managing stress levels
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getting enough sleep
Diagnosis
CFS can be difficult to diagnose because there's no single test for the condition.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also carry out a physical examination.
They'll then refer you to a specialist for further assessment. This may involve a series of tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Treatment
There's no known cure for CFS. However, treatments are available that can help relieve the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment options include:
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self-care – such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and managing stress levels
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cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a talking therapy that can help change the way you think and behave
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graded exercise therapy (GET) – a type of exercise programme that starts with gentle activity and gradually increases over time
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medication – such as antidepressants, painkillers and sleeping tablets
Coping and support
CFS can have a major impact on your life. It can be difficult to cope with the fatigue and other symptoms.
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support groups – such as Action for ME, the ME Association and ME Support
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talking therapies – such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling
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exercise programmes – such as graded exercise therapy (GET)
Complications
CFS can lead to a number of complications, such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- social isolation
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes you to feel exhausted and unable to do the things you normally do. It can have a major impact on your life.
