Chronic Fatigue syndrome

Question 1

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 1

A chronic disabling disease of reduced productivity

Question 2

What does chronic fatigue syndrome involve?

Answer 2

Disabling fatigue affecting mental and physical function more than 50% of the time in the absence of other disease

Question 3

What do patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience?

Answer 3

Significant exhaustion and impairment following minimal physical or cognitive effort.

Question 4

What is chronic fatigue syndrome caused by?

Answer 4

Unknown

Question 5

Who is more commonly affected by chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 5

Females

Question 6

Is a past psychiatric history a risk factor for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

How long do symptoms need to be present for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue to be made?

Answer 7

At least 3 months

Question 8

Apart from fatigue, what are the other possible symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 8

sleep problems
muscle and/or joint pains
headaches
painful lymph nodes without enlargement
sore throat
cognitive dysfunction
physical or mental exertion makes symptoms worse
general malaise or ‘flu-like’ symptoms
dizziness
nausea
palpitations

Question 9

What sleep problems can occur in someone with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 9

Insomnia
Hypersomnia
Unrefreshing sleep
Disturbed sleep-wake cycle

Question 10

What cognitive dysfunction can occur in someone with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 10

Difficulty thinking
Inability to concentrate
Impairment of short-term memory
Difficulties with word-finding

Question 11

What makes the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome worse?

Answer 11

Physical or mental exertion

Question 12

What is a distinguishing feature of chronic fatigue syndrome from fibromyalgia?

Answer 12

Exertional exhaustion

Question 13

What is the initial management of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 13

Refer to a specialist CFS service if the diagnostic criteria are met and symptoms have persisted for 3 months

Question 14

What can be used in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 14

energy management
Physical activity and exercise
CBT

Question 15

What is important to remember in reguards to physical activity and exercise when managing someone with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 15

Do not advise people with ME/CFS to undertake exercise that is not part of a programme