Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined by two major criteria, chronic severe fatigue for at least 6 months not caused by a diagnosable disease or relieved with rest and at least four other specific symptoms that occur at the same time or after the development of severe fatigue.
• The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown.
• Risk factors are not clearly understood, but the majority of adults diagnosed are adult women age range of 40s to 50s; pediatric patients diagnosed are usually teenaged.
• The symptoms and signs of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are relatively specific: chronic severe fatigue for at least 6 months not caused by a diagnosable disease and at least four other specific symptoms such as cognitive impairment, muscle and/or joint pains, new types of headaches, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, non-refreshing sleep, and malaise after exercise, that occur at the same time or after the development of severe fatigue.
• The estimated prevalence in the U.S. is 42 in 10,000 people.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed about four times more often in women than men.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is diagnosed by the two major criteria and symptoms and signs listed above.
• Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is based on treating the symptoms patients exhibit.
• Although there is no known cure for CSF, symptoms may be markedly reduced.
• The prognosis for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in adults is only fair to poor; children have a better or good prognosis with treatment.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the usual preventive advice given by clinicians that treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients.
• Additional sources of information and support groups are available for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/article.htm