Learning more about the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as the treatments and resources available, can help people with chronic fatigue syndrome improve their quality of life.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a long-term illness that causes extreme tiredness and other symptoms. This tiredness is not improved by rest and gets worse after physical or mental activity. Chronic fatigue syndrome can make it hard to do everyday things like work, school or social activities. The syndrome affects Veterans who served in combat at higher rates than the rest of the population.
Learn more about the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, how it’s diagnosed, and how to manage it.
How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed?
Doctors use specific criteria to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. According to the National Academy of Medicine’s diagnostic criteria for CFS, a person must have:
- A big drop in ability to do normal activities (work, school, social, or personal) for more than six months, along with new or severe fatigue that is not caused by ongoing overexertion and does not get much better with rest.
- Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (called post exertional malaise).
- Sleep that does not refresh or restore energy.
- In addition, at least one of these must be present:
- Problems with thinking or memory (cognitive impairment).
- Feeling dizzy or weak when standing up (orthostatic intolerance).
Other symptoms can include muscle or joint pain, headaches, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. These symptoms may come and go, or there may be changes in how severe the symptoms are over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there isn’t a specific test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. To start, your provider needs to rule out other illnesses with a thorough medical exam. Many other illnesses that cause prolonged fatigue can be explained through blood tests or other exams, which can help rule things out.
People who are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome can begin to better understand their symptoms and create a plan to manage their effects. Talk to your health care provider if you’re concerned about symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Who Is at Risk for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. It may involve problems with the immune system, nervous system, or energy production in the body. Sometimes, chronic fatigue syndrome starts after an infection or other illness.
The CDC says anyone can get chronic fatigue syndrome, but it does affect certain populations at greater rates.
- Less than 1% of the U.S. population has chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Service members and Veterans who have been deployed to combat are more likely to have it than those who haven’t deployed.
- Women are affected about 1.5 to four times more frequently than men.
- The condition can occur at any age but shows two incidence peaks: one in adolescence (10–19 years) and another in early to mid-adulthood (30–39 years).
How Can I Treat My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
There is no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. As a result, care often involves treating the symptoms that most affect your life. Treatment is determined based on factors such as your health history, the extent of your symptoms, and your preferences. Medical studies support these treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This talk therapy helps people cope with symptoms, manage stress, and adjust activity levels. Studies show CBT can help some people feel less tired and improve their ability to function.
- Graded Exercise Therapy (GET): This therapy involves slowly and carefully increasing physical activity, guided by a trained therapist. Some research shows GET can help reduce fatigue and improve physical function, but it is important to avoid pushing too hard, as this can make symptoms worse. Not everyone benefits from GET, and some people may feel worse, so it should be done with caution and only under professional supervision.
- Pacing: Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome find it helpful to balance activity and rest, staying within their energy limits to avoid worsening symptoms. This is called pacing.
Medicines or therapies may be used to help with pain, sleep problems, or dizziness. Nutritional supplements are only recommended if there is a proven deficiency.
It might take time to figure out which treatments work best to manage your symptoms, but you can find ways to feel better. The CDC’s Voices of the Patient gives an inside look into the lives of people living with chronic fatigue syndrome in their own words.
What Should Patients Know?
- Chronic fatigue syndrome is a real medical condition. It is not caused by laziness or lack of motivation.
- Recovery is different for everyone. Some people improve with treatment, while others may continue to have symptoms.
- It is important to work with healthcare professionals who understand chronic fatigue syndrome and to communicate openly about what helps or worsens symptoms.
- Support from family, friends, and patient groups can be helpful.
- If symptoms of severe fatigue, sleep problems, or thinking difficulties last for more than six months and interfere with daily life, talk to a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and management can help improve quality of life.
What Resources are Available for Gulf War Veterans in Particular?
The VA presumes certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing for six months or more are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause, including chronic fatigue syndrome. Gulf War Veterans who develop chronic fatigue syndrome do not have to prove a connection between their illnesses and service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for additional VA benefits, including a Gulf War registry health exam and disability compensation for other diseases related to military service.
If you’re concerned about chronic fatigue, talk to your health care provider or contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator to get more information on your next steps. In addition, Veterans can request a referral from their provider to the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center. The center provides comprehensive medical evaluations for Veterans with unexplained symptoms and focuses on providing guidance to help minimize the effects of their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Learning more about the real effects of chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as the treatments and resources available to help, can help you get control of this invisible illness.