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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is diagnosed by evaluating symptoms and eliminating other
causes of fatigue. Doctors carefully question patients about their symptoms, any other
illnesses they have had, and medications they are taking. They also conduct a physical
examination, neurological examination, and laboratory tests to identify any underlying
disorders or other diseases that cause fatigue. In the United States, many doctors use the
CDC case definition to determine if a patient has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The health care provider can presume a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome
only after ruling out all other known possible causes of fatigue, such as:
- infections.
- immune or autoimmune disorders.
- tumors.
- muscle or nerve diseases (such as multiple sclerosis).
- endocrine diseases (such as hypothyroidism).
- psychiatric or psychological illnesses, particularly depression. Since Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome itself may be associated with depression, a diagnosis of depression does not rule
out Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but fatigue related to depression alone must be ruled out for
CFS to be diagnosed.
- drug dependence.
- other illnesses (such as heart, kidney, liver diseases).
To be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis, patients must meet
both of the following criteria:
- Unexplained continuing or recurring chronic fatigue for at least six months that is of
new or definite onset, is not the result of ongoing exertion, and is not mainly relieved
by rest, and causes occupational, educational, social, or personal activities to be
greatly reduced.
- Four or more of the following symptoms: loss of short-term memory or ability to
concentrate; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; multi-joint pain without
swelling or redness; headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity; unrefreshing sleep;
and post-exertional malaise (a vague feeling of discomfort or tiredness following exercise
or other physical or mental activity) lasting more than 24 hours. These symptoms must have
continued or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have
started before the fatigue began.
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Modified 3-11-04
Information compiled from the National Institutes of Health
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