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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Of all chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the most mysterious. Several possible causes have been proposed, including:

  • Depression
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • History of allergies
  • Virus infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus 6
  • Dysfunction in the immune system
  • Changes in the levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands
  • Mild, chronic low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • An autoimmune process causing inflammation of certain nervous-system pathways
  • A viral infection complicated by a dysfunctional immune response
  • A low blood pressure disorder that triggers the fainting reflex

Symptoms similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome sometimes have straightforward, correctable causes, such as:

  • An active, identifiable medical condition that often results in fatigue
  • Medication side-effects
Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-3/833235176/1492/1050.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50300-1_13277. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  2. 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.
  3. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  4. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Possible causes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfscauses.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  5. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Who's at risk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfsatrisk.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  6. 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.
  7. Gluckman SJ. Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  8. 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.
  9. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Treatment options. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfstreatmentHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  10. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Support groups. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssupport.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  11. Patel G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for noncancer pain. Medical Clinics of North America. 2007;91:141.

DS00395

June 19, 2009

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