Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

DEFINITION

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by persistent and unexplained fatigue resulting in severe impairment in daily functioning. The majority of patients (75%) are women, generally 30–45 years old.

Causes

Predisposing Factors

Childhood trauma (physical, emotional abuse; emotional and physical neglect)

Physical inactivity during childhood

Premorbid psychiatric illness or psychopathology

Premorbid hyperactivity

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 Precipitating Factors

Somatic events: infection (e.g., mononucleosis, Q fever,flu like illness, Lyme disease), surgery, pregnancy

Psychosocial stress

Serious life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a job, military combat, and other stressful situations

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Perpetuating Factors

Non-acknowledgment by physician

Negative self-efficacy

Strong physical attributions

Strong focus on bodily symptoms

Fear of fatigue

Lack of social support

Low physical activity pattern

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Modest elevations in titers of antinuclear antibodies, reductions in immunoglobulin subclasses, deficiencies in mitogen-driven lymphocyte proliferation, reduction in natural killer cell activity, disturbances in cytokine production.

CFS could result from excessive production of a cytokine, such as interleukin 1, that induces asthenia and other flulike symptoms.

Symptoms

• Unexplained fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Multi-joint pain without redness or swelling
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Joint aches
• Post-exertional malaise
• Feverishness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Psychiatric problems
• Allergies
• Abdominal cramps

Diagnosis

History

BLOOD-CBC,ESR,IL6,CRP, electrolytes, calcium, and iron; blood glucose; creatine kinase; liver function tests; thyroid-stimulating hormone

Urinalysis

TREATMENT

HOMEOPATHY MEDICINE