Diagnostic Test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
NEWSBRIEF: Researchers claim they've discovered the cause of a key symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) and that they've found a conclusive way to diagnose the illness.
In a study published in The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, researchers say they've proven dysfunction in mitochondria linked to the production of energy through adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They say the severity of dysfunction reliably predicts the severity of the condition. In addition, they say tests can distinguish between the fatigue and lack of energy associated with ME/CFS and fatigue caused by other factors, such as sleep disorders or nutritional or hormonal deficiencies.
Much of the controversy surrounding ME/CFS stems from the lack of objective diagnostic tests, which leads some people to believe that nothing is physically wrong with people who have the condition. It also can lead to misdiagnoses. A reliable, widely accepted diagnostic test would validate the illness, reduce misdiagnoses, and possibly make it easier for people with ME/CFS to get special accommodations at work and qualify for Social Security disability insurance.
This study also could lead to treatments targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. For more on this research, including one researcher's recommended treatment for mitrochondrial dysfunction, visit Dr. Sarah Myhill's website.
Related Content: Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Chronic Fatigue vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Comments
You say there is a test for CFS? By whom? What research? How do I get the test?
You left an important tidbit but left out all the important details.
This is a brand new discovery, and as with all new discoveries, it’s not something that is in practice right now.
It’s impossible to estimate when this test could be put into common use, as the scientific world will want to see these results reproduced in other studies.
If you’d like more information on the study, just click on the word “study” at the top of the second paragraph, or on the link to Dr. Myhill’s site at the end.
This is stunning! I just read the material in the link and I cannot tell you how much hope this gives me. I have read tons of stuff on this illness over the ten years since my diagnosis and to see this show up in a peer reviewed journal is really encouraging. It actually says that CFS is a symptom of an underlying problem which is a substantial step towards finding the cause of the illness and a treatment that does more than just manage symptoms. It will take time to replicate the study but sound science only works when you do not skip steps. We must be patient but I am taking this article to my next doctor visit.
im not surprised as ive been following ways to enhance my ATP sythesis for a few years , , im happy to see this reasearch as its confirming my own suspiscion ……. its difficult working away by yourself over a period of years , cheers ,
Its the underlying virus(es) that are causing the energy depletion. When the immune system in constantly trying to fight something off that it cannot contain, that is what causes the lack of energy-NOT a dysfunction in ATP. See Dr. Martin Lerner and Dr. Jose Montoya’s research…
I’ve had her test of my mitochondrial function; & I do have Heart Failure s/t Mitochondrial Failure! I’d had a diving accident when in 7th grade rammed head first into the pool bottom! People can email me saying questions about my condition at destinygsmom@juno.com
Shari