Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue vs chronic fatigue syndrome

Fatigue is very much an ongoing part of life for many individuals living in today's society. Lack of sleep for active parents, students, and those trying to find ways to fit all of their daily living into one twenty four hour period is something those living in today's modern society has to learn to deal with.  However, for some people, fatigue is a problem that cannot be remedied just by a good night’s sleep.

Chronic fatigue can be an early warning sign that something has gone wrong with one or more of our physical body systems.  Diseases and disorders such as depression, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and even certain cancers can count fatigue as one of their primary symptoms. 

For those individuals who suffer from one of these diseases, fatigue is a result of the disease or disorder, or in other words, fatigue is caused by the disease.  For an even smaller group of individuals, chronic fatigue is an illness in itself.

Unlike Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an illness, not merely a symptom of an illness.  Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is characterized by, and has extreme fatigue as its hallmark, the symptoms can make general life debilitating.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers find they have multiple mysterious problems such as flu-like symptoms and unexplained brain fog among their many symptoms.  For some individuals, the symptoms become incredibly disabling, with many individuals being unable to function normally – at least for long periods of time.

Because the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are so non-specific, the medical profession has difficulty diagnosing it as an illness.  Even more frustrating for sufferers, many medical professionals continue to hold the belief that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not a legitimate illness, but is a psychosomatic disorder instead. 

Even with this built in discrimination, it is still wise for a person who believes he or she suffers from CFS to undergo a complete medical assessment to rule out one of the fundamental medical conditions mentioned above before receiving treatment for CFS. 

Individuals who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not merely depressed, overtired, or crazy.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a valid medical illness. 

Research into the causes, and ultimately cure, of CFS is still in its infancy, but medical professionals have determined that CFS does in fact exist and that sufferers may be able to find relief – if not yet a cure.  With continued research and medical intervention, CFS sufferers may one day realize a life without these symptoms.