In order to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria.

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If you suffer from fatigue, you are not alone. Estimates of how common it truly is vary widely, but overall, about 20% of all patients complain of fatigue, and 5% to 10% of patients presenting to their primary care provider list fatigue as their number one complaint._[1] Fatigue and chronic fatigue are symptoms rather than illnesses in and of themselves. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), on the other hand, is an illness.  Determining if you are experiencing “normal” fatigue or if you’re suffering from more serious Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms is the first step towards your recovery.  Here’s how to differentiate between fatigue, chronic fatigue, and CFS:

Fatigue- If you have been feeling much more tired and worn out than usual, and have a lower capacity for physical or mental work than you usually do, you have fatigue. Fatigue is a normal, protective mechanism in healthy individuals. It is usually linked to a single cause, and is often relieved by rest or lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, stress management).

Chronic Fatigue- Although there is no agreed-upon definition of chronic fatigue, it is sometimes defined as severe fatigue of at least 6 months’ duration which is not helped by rest and interferes with relationships, work, or other activities. Chronic fatigue is abnormal and disrupts healthy physical and mental function.

The majority of people visiting their primary care provider who have been suffering with fatigue for more than six months do not meet criteria for CFS, but still have fatigue bad enough to significantly impact their health. In fact, studies have shown that even if you don’t meet the strict definition of CFS you are frequently just as ill and
impaired._[2,3] In other words, both chronic fatigue and CFS can be debilitating and with either of them you may experience significant overall levels of “sickness” and impairment._[4]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms- CFS is characterized by unexplained fatigue that lasts for at least 6 months accompanied by symptoms including headaches, unrefreshing sleep, muscle pain and difficulties with brain functions such as memory and concentration.

CDC Definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In order to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria:

1. Have severe chronic fatigue for at least six months or longer with other known medical conditions (whose manifestation includes fatigue) excluded by clinical diagnosis; and

2. Concurrently have four or more of the following symptoms:

• fatigue following physical exertion
• impaired memory or concentration
• unrefreshing sleep
• muscle pain
• multi-joint pain without redness or swelling
• tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• sore throat
• headache

To discover if you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms, print out this article and circle the descriptions below that apply to you.  Take this list to a qualified integrative physician to sort through the various fatigue causes and develop a chronic fatigue syndrome treatment plan to help you regain your health and vitality.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms