University of Iowa Health Science Relations and
Arthur Hartz, MD, PhD
Professor of Family Medicine/Health Management & Policy
First Published: 2002
Last Revised: September 2003
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a puzzling problem. There are many
theories about it and few answers. And that only adds to the
frustration and helpless feelings of the people with the condition.
Because most symptoms are invisible, it is difficult for others to
comprehend the array of debilitating symptoms that people diagnosed
with chronic fatigue syndrome endure. (The difference between chronic
fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue is that the syndrome includes
fatigue with other symptoms while chronic fatigue involves only
fatigue.)
There is no definitive test for chronic fatigue syndrome like there is for
diabetes or many other diseases. "Chronic fatigue syndrome is not one
disease" says Arthur Hartz, MD, University of Iowa Health Care. "It may
be caused by many factors, and these factors vary from one person to the
next."
The hallmark of the condition is six months or more of frequent, profound
exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. The patients also have at least
four of the following symptoms: impairment of short-term memory or
concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint
pain without swelling or redness, headaches, unrefreshing sleep, or
post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours. "The fatigue and
associated symptoms interfere with quality of life more than many
debilitating diseases such as congestive heart failure," says Hartz.
The diagnosis process is lengthy and frustrating. Chronic fatigue
is often misdiagnosed because it resembles other disorders such as
fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, lupus,
and candida albicans. In most cases, chronic fatigue is diagnosed
when other medical illnesses that cause fatigue have been ruled out
and no other cause for the fatigue and accompanying symptoms can be
found.
|
For related information; see Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, 319-384-5089
|
