Can chronic fatigue syndrome be inherited?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Chronic fatigue syndrome may have a genetic component because multiple family members can be diagnosed with it, which suggests that genetic factors contribute to its risk. However, no specific gene or variant has been consistently associated with an increased risk for chronic fatigue syndrome, which indicates that it is a multifactorial disorder influenced by various genetic and environmental factors.

    It is not uncommon for several members of the same family to be diagnosed with CFS. [1] Therefore, genetic factors probably contribute to the risk of CFS, but studies have not consistently identified one single gene or gene variant that increases the risk for CFS. In other words, CFS, like many conditions, is a multifactorial disorder in which many genetic and environmental risk factors are involved.

    Can chronic fatigue syndrome be inherited? - Examine