Chronic fatigue syndrome affects thousands of Americans every day. It can last for months or even years, with a wide range of symptoms. Severe fatigue that’s lasted for six months or more is the main symptom. And because it’s a disorder often misunderstood, no completely effective treatment has been developed. But University of Iowa Health Care specialists say there are options.

"The most effective treatments are for the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome," says Arthur Hartz, M.D., Ph.D., UI Family Medicine physician. "Many of these patients have various kinds of pain&emdash;muscle aches, headaches&emdash;so there’s some pain medicine. There are treatments for sleep disturbances that are common in patients with chronic fatigue."

Hartz says because there is still not one treatment for chronic fatigue, many people have a hard time understanding it: "I think you need a medical community that is supportive, that is sympathetic and willing to work with the patient trying to find out what helps them."

Hartz says, even if a cause cannot be found, there are strategies to help sustain a patient’s energy. That’s the good news about a disorder that can be hard to understand &endash; and treat.

For More Information:

Health Topics: What You Should Know About Chronic Fatigue

Health Topics: The Stresses Of Chronic Illness