Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is difficult to diagnose due as it mimics various other disorders. CFS is primarily defined by consistent fatigue that is unrelated to the effects of physical exertion in any activity. Various clinical symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, however, play a larger role in determining
Physical Activity Limitations
One of the prominent symptoms associated with CFS is a dramatic decrease in physical activity. Individuals who have the disorder describe physical activity limitations. In the June 2009 “Biopsychosocial Medicine” journal, researchers investigated the complexity of physical activity among individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. Their findings suggested that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome have reduced activity patterns that are also less complex in nature.
Precipitating Stress Events
Another range of symptoms that are part of the diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome are precipitating and sustained stress events. In the February 2009 issue of "Behavioral and Brain Functions," researchers presented a model of how sustained and precipitating stress events are part of the symptoms for chronic fatigue syndrome. The final conclusion of the model was that precipitating and sustained stressful events are strongly linked to the experience of chronic fatigue.
Chronic Pain
A symptom that is fairly common among individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome is chronic pain. Pain can manifest in many different forms, but musculoskeletal pain in particular is difficult to manage for those with chronic fatigue syndrome. In the May 2007 “European Journal of Pain,” researchers conducted a review of several research studies related to musculoskeletal chronic pain as a symptom of CFS. After reviewing 25 articles related to this area of research, the researchers concluded that chronic pain is a significant and disabling symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome.
References
- Biopsychosocial Medicine: “Reduced Complexity of Activity Patterns in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case Control Study”; C. Burton, et. al. June 2009.
- Behavioral and Brain Functions: “Can Sustained Arousal Explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”; V. Wyller, H. Eriksen, and K. Malterud. February 2009.
- European Journal of Pain: “Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review”; M. Meeus, J. Nijs and K. Meirleir. May. 2007
