Chronic fatigue syndrome

Alternative names:

C.F.I.D.S.; C.F.S.; chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome; fatigue - chronic; yuppie flu

Treatment:

There is currently no treatment that has been proven to be effective in curing C.F.S.. Instead, the symptoms are treated. Many people with C.F.S. experience depression and other psychological problems that may improve with treatment.

Some of the treatments used include:

• antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir)
• drugs to fight "hidden" yeast infections (such as nystatin)
• medications to treat depression (antidepressant drugs)
• medications to treat anxiety (antianxiety drugs)
• medications to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever

Some medications can cause adverse reactions or side effects that are worse than the original symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Patients with C.F.S. are encouraged to maintain active social lives, and mild physical exercise may also be helpful.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is usually good. A full recovery can be expected though the symptoms may linger for 6 months to a year or more.

Complications:

• social isolation caused by fatigue
• lifestyle restrictions (some people are so fatigued that they are essentially disabled during the course of the illness)
• depression
• side effects and adverse reactions related to medication treatments.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience persistent, severe fatigue, with or without other symptoms of this disorder. Other more serious disorders can cause similar symptoms and should be excluded.