Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CSF), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a chronic illness with a multifaceted clinical picture. The main symptoms are manifested by persistent mental and physical fatigue, which does not disappear even with rest and rest.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CSF)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which even today much is in the realm of the unknown. No universally accepted standards have yet been established for either the causes or the appropriate therapy. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CSF) is characterized by permanent mental and physical exhaustion, which is accompanied by fatigue and other physical complaints. The symptoms cannot be eliminated even by sufficient rest and relaxation. The many and persistent complaints are accompanied in most cases by sometimes severe depression. Much about this disease has not yet been clearly clarified scientifically. According to estimates, about one in three hundred people in Germany suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Causes

To date, the exact causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are unknown. Neither definite, nor provable causes have yet been found. Scientists do not agree on whether immune defects or dysfunctions, hormonal disorders, or viruses could possibly trigger the syndrome. Fungi, psychological factors, prolonged stress and even environmental toxins are also being discussed as possible causes. The researchers suspect that the fatigue that occurs in chronic fatigue syndrome could be triggered by a weakening or chronic activation of the immune system, as well as an imbalance of brain messengers. A dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is also suspected as a trigger of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Symptoms, complaints, and signs

The problem with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is that the symptoms that occur initially appear nonspecific and are therefore not related. They could also indicate other illnesses. What is striking, however, is that the symptoms of CFS occur abruptly. Massively reduced performance and a severe collapse of the previously experienced energy potential are the main characteristics of CFS. This leading symptom may persist for years. It can be distinguished from ordinary exhaustion by its persistent massiveness. For a definite diagnosis, this leading symptom must have persisted for more than six months. It must have occurred abruptly and must not be due to acute overexertion. In addition, the exhaustion must be disproportionate to what the person has done before. Furthermore, typical but non-specific accompanying symptoms must have occurred over an equally long period of time. Chronic fatigue syndrome leads not only to exhaustion but also to [[concentration disorders|concentration problems] and memory disorders. Sore throat, muscle and joint pain, increased pressure sensitivity of the lymph nodes under the armpits and in the neck area, as well as headaches and sleep that no longer provides rest are other accompanying symptoms. If at least four of the above symptoms are present in addition to fatigue, CFS is considered confirmed. Nevertheless, careful differential diagnosis must be performed to rule out the possibility that the present symptomology is due to conditions other than chronic fatigue syndrome.

Diagnosis and course

Chronic fatigue syndrome is extremely difficult to diagnose. In many cases, it is not recognized because there are no specific tests that can detect the condition. Neither laboratory tests, nor other conventional medical examinations can assure a diagnosis. A definite suspicion of CFS only exists when those affected have been suffering from the symptoms for at least six months without any other cause being found. In order to be able to diagnose CFS at all, it is important to exclude all other diseases that could be responsible for the symptoms shown. For this purpose, a precise anamnesis, i.e. the determination of the symptoms, is necessary in any case.In addition to an assessment of the mucous membranes and an examination of muscle tension and reflexes, blood tests and, if necessary, ultrasound examinations are also performed. Burnout syndrome and depressive moods must also be ruled out, as they could be considered as differential diagnoses. All these examinations are performed to rule out other causes for the complaints. If no other causes are found, the suspicion of chronic fatigue syndrome is thus substantiated.

Complications

Chronic fatigue syndrome leads to a variety of complications that can affect daily life and work. Concentration and memory problems often impair performance. As a result, workplace conflicts are possible; in some cases, chronic fatigue syndrome leads to temporary disability. Without a correct diagnosis, there is also a risk that the employer will terminate the affected person if the symptoms are falsely attributed to personal failure. For pupils, trainees and students, there is also the risk of failing exams or receiving a lower grade if the symptoms are not treated. Without treatment or a medical diagnosis, there is also a risk that chronic fatigue syndrome will not be recognized. Self-diagnosis is very critical in this case, as the symptoms of the syndrome can also be due to another illness. Another potential complication is sleep disturbances. These often occur when individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome rest during the day and thus are not sufficiently tired at the actual bedtime. Both difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep are possible. These sleep disturbances go beyond nonrestorative sleep, which in itself is also part of chronic fatigue syndrome. Even with treatment, various complications can occur. Many problems often arise in therapy because chronic fatigue syndrome is not properly recognized. For those affected, the path to diagnosis is therefore often very arduous.

When should one go to the doctor?

A chronic fatigue syndrome is spoken of from a period of 6 months, if the symptoms do not improve. Those who notice the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in themselves can first try to help themselves. This is particularly useful if the symptoms can be attributed to a specific event and the exhaustion is the result of a current stress. It is then advisable to allow oneself some rest and recuperation, perhaps to pursue a hobby or other activities that bring pleasure. However, if you are constantly suffering from exhaustion for seemingly no reason, you should think about seeing a doctor. A visit to the doctor is also advisable if it is difficult to switch off, there is no inner peace and no activity is fun anymore. The same applies to massive memory and concentration problems and physical symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain, headaches and unrestful sleep. Those who take a disproportionately long time to recover from exertion should also be alert.

Treatment and therapy

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome also proves to be extremely difficult. For many sufferers, psychotherapy can alleviate the symptoms. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case. As long as there is still so much speculation about the causes of the disease, a general treatment path for CFS is extremely difficult. A sufficiently long behavioral therapy, specifically tailored to people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is the only treatment path that has been reasonably assured so far. Basically, in any treatment of CFS, the divise is to give the patient as much activity and exertion as possible, but as much rest and relaxation as necessary. In addition to psychotherapeutic treatment, attempts are made to treat the main accompanying symptoms with appropriate medication. For example, if joint pain or headaches occur, they are controlled by appropriate painkillers. In patients with depression, antidepressants can be used. The combination of individual treatment options always depends on the specific case of the patient suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Outlook and prognosis

The prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is individual and cannot be estimated in advance. Spontaneous recovery is possible at any time. In many patients, the onset of the disease is unexpected and sudden. As a result, the affected person is no longer able to leave the house, and thus his or her everyday duties can no longer be fulfilled. Statistically proven is the increased occurrence of CSF after an infection. Nevertheless, it is not the only cause. The complicating factor is that the exact causes are unclear. The disease may persist unabated for months to years after its onset. Although there may be a complete cure, relapse of the disease is also possible at any time. The relapse rate is very high. There is a particular risk in the event of a renewed infection or increased stress in everyday life. Due to the circumstances, the course of the disease and thus the prospect of a cure for CSF is unpredictable. They are not directly related to the patient’s age, health status, or general lifestyle. Medical professionals cannot say with certainty in the case of a cure whether it was triggered on therapeutic measures taken, by a change in cognitive attitudes, or by medical treatment. The lack of knowledge makes it difficult to select the necessary treatment steps if it recurs.

Prevention

The extent to which preventive measures can be taken against chronic fatigue syndrome is largely unclear until the actual causes are clearly established. In general, however, attention should be paid to sufficient exercise and other activities, as well as adequate rest and recovery periods in everyday life. Stress should also be avoided as far as possible. However, it is still unclear whether these measures are actually sufficient. A balanced and balanced lifestyle is, at least for the moment, the only measure to protect oneself as far as possible from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Aftercare

Those who have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CSF) will not usually experience follow-up care. However, it would make sense. As a rule, conventional medicine treats this multisystem disorder rather half-heartedly. The reason is that no clear triggers for its onset have yet been found. In addition, it is often women who are affected. This often leads doctors to suspect that they are psychologically unstable. Accordingly, treatment often takes place in psychosomatic clinics. It is usually based on false premises and remains ineffective. According to current knowledge, this multi-system disease can be cured by means of a combined therapy. Meaningful treatment and aftercare of chronic fatigue syndrome is at best provided by alternative practitioners and specialized clinics where fatigue syndrome is treated. However, it is unlikely that all patients will receive the optimal treatment. Therefore, it must be assumed that follow-up care is also deficient. In the view of some specialists, this is a chronic mutiinfection. This requires interdisciplinary treatment concepts. Since the disease disturbs and impairs various vital systems in the organism, follow-up care makes sense. Possible consequential damages of CFS should be excluded by regular follow-up examinations. In addition, it may be advisable to maintain part of the treatment for life after improvement has occurred. There is a risk without medical follow-up that further infections will restore the state of exhaustion.

Here’s what you can do yourself

It is helpful for one’s own well-being if the affected person knows his own emotional and physical needs. In addition, he should know about his limits and be able to assess them in time. It is not always possible to assess stressful situations well in advance, and it is often only afterwards that people realize that they have been overtaxed. Therefore, good self-reflection and the courage to hand over tasks are helpful in order to experience one’s own relief. If depressive moods persist and rest and sleep do not bring any improvement, it is advisable to seek the support of a therapist. The sleeping conditions should be checked and optimized. One’s own lifestyle should also be critically examined and, if necessary, restructured. Sometimes the courage to leave a stressful situation is lacking.In these situations, the affected person can seek help to find alternatives. The exhaustion syndrome can set in during phases of a lack of perspective. It takes effort to try changes or to implement them. However, changing one’s behavior can be perceived as very helpful and strengthening for one’s self-esteem. In addition, when taking medications, side effects should be checked and consultation with a physician should be sought. Some may have an impact on one’s drive and enjoyment of life.