What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a medical condition characterized by long-term, severe fatigue that doesn’t go away after rest. It’s a bittersweet diagnosis; although validating for those who have searched for an answer to their symptoms, it’s a sobering reality that there is no cure.

An estimated three million people are living with CFS in the U.S. right now — just over 1% of the population. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that 9 out of 10 people haven’t been officially diagnosed by a medical professional.

Despite many saying that CFS is a rare medical condition, the authors of the CDC’s most recent report on the diagnosis stated otherwise in an interview with CNN in 2023.

These facts leave us with one conclusion: we don’t know enough about CFS. In this blog, we’ll break down what we do know, such as symptoms to watch out for, how CFS is diagnosed, and treatment options.

The Impact of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Living with CFS can be incredibly challenging. Think about the last time you felt really fatigued; it was probably difficult to complete your daily routine. Now, imagine that fatigue but amplified 10x. Simple tasks, such as taking a shower or cooking a meal, can become daunting and exhausting. Many people with CFS are forced to significantly reduce their work hours or stop working altogether, leading to financial strain and emotional distress.

Getting a Diagnosis

Many people wait years, sometimes decades, to get a diagnosis that accurately reflects their symptoms. Why? Short answer: diagnosing CFS is complicated. With numerous overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult for healthcare providers to pinpoint the exact cause of a patient’s illness.

Before you meet with a provider about your suspected CFS, try to know as much about your symptoms as possible. Ask yourself:

• How often do my symptoms occur?
• How much do my symptoms affect my daily life and ability to function?
• How long have I been experiencing these symptoms?

Key Diagnostic Criteria

There are also three key criteria that help clinicians narrow down what’s going on.

1. Persistent fatigue that goes beyond sleepiness – Rest doesn’t help, and neither does caffeine. While overworking yourself will worsen this type of fatigue, even the most insignificant things (like walking from one room to another) become impossible. This should last at least six months.
2. An amalgamation of different chronic pain and cognitive symptoms, such as muscle pain and cramping, joint pain and stiffness, frequent headaches, and difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
3. Ruling out other conditions like anemia, diabetes, sleep disorders, mental health diagnoses, and autoimmune disorders.

Now, let’s look at some potential causes for CFS.

What causes CFS?

So, what causes CFS? Honestly, the medical community still isn’t entirely sure. But, researchers have found some clues that might help us understand this mysterious illness. Here are some possible factors that could contribute to:

• Some scientists think certain viral infections, like mono (Epstein-Barr virus) or human herpesvirus 6, might trigger CFS in some people.
• Hormones play a big role in our bodies. When they get out of balance, it can cause problems. Some researchers believe that hormonal changes, especially in the HPA axis, might contribute to CFS.
• Just like some people might be more prone to certain allergies or illnesses, some folks might be more likely to develop CFS due to their genetic makeup.
• Exposure to pollutants like pesticides or heavy metals might increase the risk of developing CFS.

Taking a Holistic Treatment Approach with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Living with CFS can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially since there is so much we still don’t know about — including a cure. In the meantime, there are options for effective treatments that help make life a little easier. Various medications and holistic treatment approaches can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

At Balance Psychiatric Services, we take a holistic approach to treating mental and physical health but acknowledge medications can play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms such as pain, sleep disturbances, and depression. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with muscle and joint pain. Sleep aids like melatonin or prescription sleep medications can improve sleep quality. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In addition to finding the right medication, other approaches can help with depression, anxiety, and stress management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help individuals with CFS reduce these mental health challenges brought on by fatigue, ultimately reducing the amount of psychological wear and tear on the body. Holistic practices like acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi are rooted in cultural traditions that honor the mind-body connections and can help improve physical function, flexibility, and balance.

Schedule an appointment with one of our nurse practitioners today to take the first step toward managing your chronic fatigue syndrome. Fill out this form or call us at 412-467-6410.