Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a recently defined disorder characterized by chronic fatigue, lasting at least 6 months and in some cases longer. Fatigue causes reduced physical and mental functional capacity.
The diagnostic criteria for CFS are:
1. Severe chronic fatigue of 6 months or longer with other conditions ruled out as the diagnosis;
2. Four or more of the following symptoms: impairment in short-term memory and concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches or a new type of pattern or severity; non-refreshing sleep; post-exertional malaise lasting >24 hours.
Lab testing does not confirm or rule out CFS, the tests eliminate other disease entities. These conditions must be excluded: hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, depression disorders, mononucleosis, eating disorders, cancer, hormonal conditions, substance abuse, and autoimmune disorders; as possible causes of the client’s symptoms.
The profile of the CFS client is a high achiever who is female, white middle class with a history of allergy and intolerance to milk. A possible neuroendocrine regulatory mechanism, which may limit organ and tissue function as a result of diminished or impaired blood pressure or tissue perfusion.
