What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide to Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
Whether you're wondering whether you have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), have recently been diagnosed or have been living with the condition (or someone with it) for years, you'll find information here that can help you live better. Learn the signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, how it's diagnosed, causes and risk factors, how you can manage and cope with the condition, and your legal rights as a disabled person.
- The Basics of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Getting a Diagnosis
- Living With a Chronic Illness
- Work & Disability Issues
- Finding Support
- Causes & Risk Factors of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Overlapping Conditions
- For Friends & Family
The Basics of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome has a lengthy list of signs and symptoms. How many one person experiences, along with how severe they are, varies greatly. Learn the basics of chronic fatigue syndrome and its symptoms, the differences between ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, other conditions people with ME/CFS often have, and common terms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- The Monster List of Symptoms
- A Simple Explanation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fast Facts About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome FAQs
Getting a Diagnosis
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a tough condition to diagnose. Find out why, what tests you can expect your doctor to order, and what the official criteria are for a diagnosis. Finding the right doctor is also important because not all health-care providers are familiar with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- American vs. Canadian Diagnostic Criteria
- Finding a Doctor
- Chronic Fatigue vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Keeping a Symptom Journal - Why You Should & How to Do It
Living With a Chronic Illness
To manage symptoms and improve your quality of life, it's likely that you'll need to make some changes. For some things, you may need to change your routine. For others, you may need to change your outlook on life. Find out how to get started.
- Lifestyle Changes - An Overview
- Pacing 101
- Develop Better Coping Skills
- Acceptance - Why It's Important
Work & Disability Issues
Staying at your job? Know your rights - you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations from your employer. Considering a disability claim? Find out how to get the process started and how the system works.
Finding Support
Support is important, but not all of us have the support we need from people around us. Find out how to find support, online and in your community, and also learn about starting a support group.
- Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Forum
- Find a Support Group
- Start Your Own Support Group
Causes & Risk Factors of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome? Who's at risk for coming down with it? Researchers are still working to answer these questions, but we're getting clearer ideas. Find out what we know so far.
- What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- Promising Genetics Research
- What is Genetic Predisposition?
- Who's at Risk?
- Why Women Get Chronic Fatigue Syndrome More Often
Overlapping Conditions
Chronic fatigue syndrome is rarely alone - it likes to bring "friends" to the party. Learn about conditions that a lot of us with fibromyalgia also have, the symptoms, how they're treated, and how the conditions may interact.
For Friends & Family
Chronic fatigue syndrome is hard to understand and can strain relationships. The articles below can help the people in your life get a handle on what you're going through and what it means to them.
