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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. Although there are many theories about what causes this condition — ranging from viral infections to psychological stress — in most cases the cause is still unknown.
Because its symptoms are difficult to measure, CFS wasn't widely accepted as a real medical condition for several years. Today, however, doctors and researchers agree that this chronic condition should be taken seriously.
Although an underlying cause often isn't found, effective treatments for the signs and symptoms of CFS are available. Many people recover from chronic fatigue syndrome over time.
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- Engleberg CN. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Mandell, GL, et al. Mandell, Bennett, & Dolin: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-5/833235546/1259/1004.html#4-u1.0-B0-443-06643-4..50130-6_4604. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Possible causes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfscauses.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Who's at risk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfsatrisk.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Marshall GS, et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome.. In: Long SS, et al., eds. Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-6/0/1679/204.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50203-4--chapter1. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Gluckman SJ. Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Teitelbaum J. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Rakel RE. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-7/833236431/1494/94.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50051-X_2429. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Treatment options. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfstreatmentHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Support groups. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssupport.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Patel G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for noncancer pain. Medical Clinics of North America. 2007;91:141.
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