1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

Are Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the Same Thing?

By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com

Updated: July 3, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Question: Are Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the Same Thing?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are really similar, and so are a lot of the drugs, dietary supplements and lifestyle changes recommended for managing them. Are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome the same thing? If not, what's the difference?

Answer: The answer depends on who you ask. Some doctors believe they are the same or are different forms of the same condition.

As researchers learn more about fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, they're learning more and more about the differences between them.

For instance, the immune systems of people with chronic fatigue syndrome typically behave as though they're actively fighting an infection, even though no infection is present. People with fibromyalgia don't have the same immune response going on.

For a comparison of the two conditions, read Is it Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Other Chronic Fatigue Syndrome FAQs

Other Fibromyalgia FAQs

Source:

Arthritis Foundation "What’s in a Name: Fibro vs. CFS"

More Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Q&A

Explore Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

More from About.com

About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
  4. FAQs & Fact Sheets
  5. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Are Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the Same

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.