Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long term and complex disease. It causes extreme fatigue that makes it hard for those who have it to get through the day. This means work and school can be difficult to do well. Rest doesn't make the fatigue better. CFS is sometimes known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

Problems may exist for many months to years and range in severity. Some people get better over time, while others continue to get worse. Most will have a cycle of improvement and flare ups.

CFS is very hard to diagnose. It may take some time before a diagnosis of CFS is made. The cause of CFS is not known. The most common theory is that CFS is set off by an infection or other immune system problems.

What are the risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome?
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
What are the treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Are there screening tests for chronic fatigue syndrome?
How can I reduce my risk of chronic fatigue syndrome?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Where can I get more information about chronic fatigue syndrome?
REFERENCES:

Chronic fatigue syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115094/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome. Updated September 10, 2018. Accessed February 8, 2019.

Chronic fatigue syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. Updated July 2018. Accessed February 8, 2019.

Treatment of ME/CFS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/treatment/index.html. Updated July 12, 2018. Accessed February 8, 2019.

Yancey JR. Thomas SM. Chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2012;8(68):741-746.

Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD  Last Updated: 2/8/2019