How Do I Know If I've Got Chronic Fatigue?

There is no specific test for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID). It is diagnosed by ruling out other illnesses, such as thyroid conditions, mononucleosis (“mono”), Lyme disease, and others.

Feeling tired all the time is called fatigue or exhaustion, which is when tiredness is overwhelming and is not relieved with rest. Tiredness is usually able to be alleviated with rest. 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) and previously called chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is different from tiredness in that it is a chronic disorder characterized by several debilitating symptoms including severe fatigue. 

It may be difficult to know if you’ve got chronic fatigue as the symptoms of CFS/SEID are similar to a number of other conditions, many of which go away on their own. It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis to find out what is causing your symptoms. 

There is no specific test for CFS/SEID. It is diagnosed through exclusion, that is, ruling out other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as:

• Thyroid conditions
• Mononucleosis (“mono”)
• Lyme disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain cancers
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Bipolar disorder

19 Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include:

• Extreme tiredness
  • Feeling tired all the time 
  • Difficulty performing daily activities due to tiredness
  • Still feeling tired after rest or sleep
• Needing a long time to recover from physical activity
• Difficulty sleeping
• Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Sore throat
• Dizziness 
• Feeling unwell (malaise)
• Fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)

In addition to prolonged fatigue, patients must have four or more of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease: 

• Short-term memory or concentration problems
• Tender lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain 
• Joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours

The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) are unknown but suggested causes include: 

• Viral infections, such as glandular fever
• Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia
• Problems with the immune system
• Hormonal imbalances 
• Genetics

Risk factors for developing CFS/SEID include: 

• Family member with the condition
• Female gender
  • Females are four times more likely to develop CFS/SEID
• Age 40s and 50s

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) and the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms.

Treatment may involve a combination of modalities, such as: 

• Medication
  • To manage or control symptoms such as sleep problems or pain
• Lifestyle changes 
  • Preventing overexertion/energy management
  • Stress reduction
  • A balanced diet
  • Nutritional supplements
• Physical therapy 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)