Chronic fatigue

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is a medical condition characterized by extreme tiredness that lasts for 6 months or longer and that can't be explained by an underlying medical condition. People with chronic fatigue have fatigue that is new, has not been lifelong, and is severe enough to reduce their activity levels.

Some key things to know about chronic fatigue:

• The main symptom is persistent feelings of exhaustion and lack of energy. This fatigue significantly limits a person's ability to participate in normal daily activities.


• In addition to fatigue, people may experience muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, poor sleep, inability to concentrate, and more.


• There are a few possible causes including viral infections, immune system problems, hormone deficiencies, and more. However, the exact cause is often unknown.


• Getting enough restful sleep is important but rarely resolves the extreme fatigue on its own. Other lifestyle changes like pacing activities, stress reduction, nutrition optimization, and supplements may help.


• If fatigue interferes with work, school, or personal life, be sure to see a doctor for an evaluation to rule out and treat any underlying medical conditions that could be causing or contributing to fatigue.

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Some key diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome include:

• Debilitating, persistent fatigue lasting 6 months or longer that is not lifelong and results in substantial reduction in activity level


• The fatigue does not result from ongoing exertion and is not substantially relieved by rest


• There must be 4 out of 8 primary symptoms - muscle pain, joint pain, headache, sore throat, tender glands, cognitive issues, sleep disturbances, post-exertional malaise

Diagnostic testing is important to rule out conditions that could be causing the fatigue such as thyroid disorders, anemia, autoimmune diseases, sleep apnea, heart disease and more. Once other causes have been excluded, treatment focuses on symptom management.

I hope this overview gives you a helpful understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome! Let me know if you have any other questions.