Diagnosing CFS

It can be very difficult to diagnose CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). This is because CFS has many different possible causes, depending on the patient. Doctors must diagnose it in an exclusionary fashion. What this means is that if the doctor suspects CFS, he or she will try to eliminate other possible causes of the symptoms. Once every other possibility has been eliminated, that leaves CFS as the diagnosis.

This must be the process because many of CFS' symptoms resemble those of other conditions. Often the CFS sufferer reports 'flu-like symptoms: aches, pains, fatigue, fever, and chills. Other times, the symptoms seem like clinical depression (although there is a key difference: Physical exercise usually helps people with depression, while exercise for CFS sufferers generally worsens their symptoms).

Once a doctor has ruled out any other potential causes of the symptoms, he or she looks for the primary CFS indicators. First and foremost is incapacitating fatigue. This must be constant exhaustion that is new (i.e., has not existed since birth), cannot be explained by other conditions or diseases, has lasted for at least six months, and is not improved by sleep or rest.

Continue reading for more information on other CFS symptoms that need to be present before a diagnosis can be given and sign up for the free newsletter below, which offers tips and suggestions for overcoming CFS naturally.

If those conditions are met, the doctor then looks for more. At least four of these eight symptoms must be present: poor short-term memory and concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, insomnia or poor sleep, and "post-exertional malaise" (which means feeling exhausted for 24 hours after vigorous exercise).

If the fatigue and at least four of the other eight symptoms are present, the doctor may conclude that CFS is the culprit as long as there are no other reasons for the symptoms.

For many years, doctors were unfamiliar with CFS and wouldn't diagnose it. Others were familiar with it but did not consider it a real syndrome, but more of a psychological condition. Even today, because of the conditions vague origins and lack of a specific cause, some doctors are reluctant to diagnose it and consider it a true "syndrome." This frustrates sufferers of CFS, who insist their condition is medical, not psychological.

Part of the problem is the inclusion of the word "fatigue" in the syndrome's name. Everyone feels tired at times. Some people even feel tired MOST of the time, due to having a demanding job or a very active social life. Calling that a "syndrome" seems "wimpy" to some people. It's important to note that while fatigue is certainly the most prevalent symptom of CFS, it's not the only one. The 'flu-like symptoms are a major component, too, and no one would argue that 'flu-like symptoms aren't a legitimate medical condition.

So there remains some stigma with CFS, and the medical community has not reached a consensus on its causes or treatments. If you feel you are suffering from CFS, it's important to find a physician who understands and who will take your health seriously and provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.