Chronic fatigue syndrome or (also known as CFS) is a medical condition or group of disorders characterized by prolonged and severe tiredness or fatigue that can not be alleviated or relieved by rest. It is also referred to to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and many other terms.
The cause or CFS is unknown and the fatigue involved is notable for being not directly caused by other conditions. Several psychological and physiological factors, moreover, add to the factors affecting the development and maintenance of symptoms. CFS does not have diagnostic laboratory tests or biomarkers.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides pointers or criteria that should be met to identify a case as chronic fatigue syndrome. The first is the occurrence of a new onset of unexplained, persistent fatigue not related to exertion and not substantially relieved by rest, causing significant decrease in activity levels. Secondly, there should be existence of four or more of the following symptoms lasting six months or longer: impaired memory or concentration, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing muscle pain, pain in multiple joints, frequent or recurring sore throat, headaches of a new kind or greater severity, and tender lymph nodes.
There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) are employed to treat CFS cases though they are only considered moderately effective. A combination of CBT, healthy diet, antidepressants (in some cases), and sleep management techniques is a common treatment strategy. In general, most people do not fully recover from CFS even with treatment.