1. Rule out Other Diseases
There are no specific tests for chronic fatigue syndrome. Currently, diagnosing this condition involves ruling out other conditions. If you've been experiencing intense fatigue of no known cause for at least six months, your doctor will order a battery of blood and urine tests. These tests will look for any possible condition that could be causing your fatigue. Mononucleosis, a low-grade infection, anemia, high blood pressure and cancer are just some of the things that your doctor will look for when making your diagnosis. If no other diseases are found that could be causing the fatigue, then chronic fatigue syndrome may be the cause.
2. Look for Immune System Abnormalities
Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome have slight abnormalities in their immune systems. These abnormalities are subtle, and doctors may not notice them or may disregard them unless they are specifically trying to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. There may be a very slight decrease in your level of killer T cells (but the levels won't be low enough for your doctor to worry about a possible HIV infection). There may also be slightly elevated levels of circulating immune complexes and lymphocytes. Your doctor may not order these tests if he isn't thinking about chronic fatigue syndrome. However, if none of your other tests show anything abnormal, you may need to ask your doctor to test your immune system. In most cases, when doctors see these slight immune abnormalities in patients with intense fatigue, they become more open to the possibility of chronic fatigue syndrome.
3. Notice Whether You Have Any Classic Signs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a very subtle condition, and most people who have it don't look like they have anything wrong with them. However, closer examination usually reveals one or more understated physical symptoms. Some of the most common of these are a low-grade fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, tender lymph nodes and trouble sleeping. If you have any of these symptoms, along with extreme fatigue and slight immune abnormalities, and these symptoms last for at least six months, your doctor may diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.
