Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By Karen Lee Richards, ChronicPainConnection Lead Expert

Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called myalgic encephalopathy or ME/CFS) should be diagnosed by a physician who is familiar with the illness and regularly treats ME/CFS patients.

Because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome closely resemble several other illnesses, it is important that the doctor run tests to rule them out. A few conditions that are similar to and/or may occur along with ME/CFS include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chronic Lyme disease
• Mercury poisoning
• Depression
• Lupus
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Primary sleep disorders
• Gulf War syndrome

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed the following criteria for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome:

1. Unexplained, persistent fatigue that’s not due to ongoing exertion, isn’t substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset (not lifelong) and results in a significant reduction in previous levels of activity.
2. Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:

• Impaired memory or concentration
• Postexertional malaise (extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness following physical or mental activity)
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Muscle pain
• Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type or severity
• Sore throat that’s frequent or recurring
• Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

More information on More info on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis

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Sources:

“Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” MayoClinic.com, 2005.

“Diagnosing CFS,” Center for Disease Control, 5/3/06.