What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

    Researchedby:
    Nick Milazzo, Brady Holmer

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Chronic fatigue syndrome is a chronic illness characterized by symptoms such as severe fatigue, difficulty thinking clearly, and pain. Although CFS is estimated to be fairly common (some sources suggest it affects 1 in 100 people), many individuals remain undiagnosed due to the condition’s unclear cause, varying symptoms, and inadequate treatments.[1][2]

    References

    1. ^Bateman L, Bested AC, Bonilla HF, Chheda BV, Chu L, Curtin JM, Dempsey TT, Dimmock ME, Dowell TG, Felsenstein D, Kaufman DL, Klimas NG, Komaroff AL, Lapp CW, Levine SM, Montoya JG, Natelson BH, Peterson DL, Podell RN, Rey IR, Ruhoy IS, Vera-Nunez MA, Yellman BPMyalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.Mayo Clin Proc.(2021-11)
    2. ^Sandler CX, Lloyd ARChronic fatigue syndrome: progress and possibilities.Med J Aust.(2020-05)