Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common is extreme tiredness. CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect, including young children, but it is more common in women and tends to develop between the mid-20’s and mid-40’s.

The main symptom of CFS/ME is feeling extremely tired and generally unwell. In addition, people with CFS/ME may have other symptoms, including: sleep problems, muscle or joint pain, headaches, a sore throat or sore glands that are not swollen, problems thinking, remembering or concentration, flu-like symptoms, feeling dizzy or nauseous, fast or irregular heartbeats. Symptoms can vary in severity from day to day and most people find over exercising will make their symptoms worse. The symptoms of CFS/ME are similar to some other illness, so it is important to get the correct diagnosis from a medical professional. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. You may also need to have blood or urine tests.

It is not known what causes CFS/ME, but there are a number of theories, for example it may be triggered by a viral infection such as mononucleosis, a bacterial infection such as pneumonia, hormonal imbalances, or problems with the immune system.

Treatment for CFS/ME aims to relieve the symptoms, so it will depend on how the CFS is affecting you. Treatments can include Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), graded exercise therapy (GET) or medication to control pain, nausea, sleeping problems, and other related conditions such as depression. Most people with CFS will get better over time, although some do not make a full recovery. The experience of living with CFS will vary from person to person, and some will find it therapeutic to join a support group.