What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Basics
- Symptoms
- Doctors & Diagnosis
- Work, School & Disability Issues
- Day-to-Day Living
- Organization
- Enjoying Life
- Your Emotional Health
- Causes & Risk Factors
- Finding Support
- Overlapping Conditions
- Book Reviews
- Product Reviews
- For Friends & Family
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Holidays
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Basics
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?
- A Simple Explanation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fast Facts About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Disease vs. Syndrome: What's the Difference?
- Immune-System Terminology
- The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Glossary
Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome can cause dozens of symptoms. By becoming familiar with them, you can better understand your illness and find ways to manage it. Get information on specific symptoms as well as tips from other readers on how to deal with them.
Doctors & 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 Criteria
- Finding a Doctor
- Common Doctor & Diagnosis Problems
Work, School & Disability Issues
Are you working or going to school? See how you may be able to ease the strain caused by your illness. Considering a disability claim? Find out how to get the process started and how the system works.
- Filing for Social Security Disability
- Readers Respond: Disability Stories
- The ADA & Reasonable Accommodation: Your Rights at Work
Day-to-Day Living
Lifestyle changes are an important part of managing your illness. Find out where to start, and learn how to keep symptoms at bay while you're doing the things you need to do.
- Lifestyle Changes -- Step by Step
- 4 Things it's Hard to Do
- Pacing Techniques
- Warm Weather Survival
- Household Tips & Strategies
Organization
Low energy and brain fog combined can leave your life an unorganized mess. You don't have to live that way, though! The articles here can help you get organized again, one thing at a time.
Enjoying Life
It's harder to have fun when you have chronic fatigue syndrome, but it doesn't have to be a thing of the past. You just have to make some changes so you can still enjoy your life.
Your Emotional Health
When you're diagnosed with a chronic illness, it's a real emotional blow. Things like acceptance and good coping skills can be a big help when you're making the adjustment to your new life.
Causes & Risk Factors
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?
- What is Genetic Predisposition?
- Who's at Risk?
- Why Women Get Chronic Fatigue Syndrome More Often
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.
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.
- Understanding & Treating Depression
- Gluten Intolerance
- Gulf War Syndrome
- IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Interstitial Cystitis - Bladder Pain
- Panic Disorder
- Raynaud's Syndrome - Cold Hands & Feet
- Sleep Disorders & Other Problems
- Thyroid Problems
- TMJ - Jaw Pain
Book Reviews
A lot of books about chronic fatigue syndrome and related conditions are on the shelves. Find out what they have to offer and how other people with the condition have liked them. You can also write a review of books you've liked.
- Reader Reviews: Favorite FMS & ME/CFS Books
- Write a Review!
- Recovery From CFS: 50 Personal Stories, by Alexandra Barton
- Figuring Out Fibromyalgia, by Ginevra Liptan, M.D.
- The Other Brain, by R. Douglas Fields, Ph.D.
Product Reviews
Looking for a product to improve your life? See what pros and cons these products have for someone with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Mediflow Waterbase Pillow
- In Balance Temperature Balancing Sheets
- Homedics Shiatsu Back & Shoulders Massaging Cushion
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.
- A Simple Explanation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Living With Someone Who Has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- FAQs
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic fatigue syndrome is difficult to understand, and questions are bound to pop up as you learn about it. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Do I Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- What is THE Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- Does XMRV Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Antidepressants?
- What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis?
- Could Sore Throat & Fatigue Mean I Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- Are Epstein-Barr & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked?
- Why Does Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Have So Many Names?
- Are Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the Same Thing?
- Why Doesn't Exercise Boost Energy for People With ME/CFS?
- Are People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Sick or Just Tired?
- Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Psychological?
The Holidays
The holiday season can wipe out the healthiest of people! For us, the work, stress and pressure of it can mean symptom flares and a long, miserable season. Find out how you can get through it better by planning and prioritizing.
