Chronic fatigue syndrome is exactly what it sounds like. What patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience is more than just being tired temporarily. The fatigue doesn’t get better even after resting and continues to persist. The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include fatigue, forgetfulness, sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain, headache, unrefreshing sleep and extreme exhaustion. Diagnosed chronic fatigue lasts for at least 6 months and significantly interferes with daily living, and it manifests at less than half the exertion it would usually take to cause that fatigue. Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome outside of official diagnosis include allergies, bloating, cough, dry mouth, earache, nausea, chills and sweats, visual disturbances, weight loss/gain, and psychological conditions like depression and anxiety. With so many possible negative symptoms, living with chronic fatigue syndrome can be quite a struggle.
[ad#250Adsense]Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms can resemble some of the symptoms that occur with fibromyalgia, but the two conditions are different because fibromyalgia primarily has to do with pain while chronic fatigue syndrome is more about feeling weak and tired. In both conditions, patients experience pain and fatigue that influence each other in a vicious cycle—lack of rest exacerbates pain, and pain makes it difficult to get rest.

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can be alleviated somewhat, but unfortunately there is currently no known cure for the condition. Clinical treatments include monitored exercise, sleep regulation, medication, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Gradually increased exercise and a healthy sleeping pattern can help decrease pain and increase rest, while medication can treat pain, lack of sleep, and psychological symptoms. CBT treats depression and helps patients to think more positively so that can deal with chronic fatigue syndrome more effectively. Unofficial treatments mainly deal with maintaining a healthy lifestyle by reducing stress, exercising and following a healthy diet.

Research has been conducted to find more effective treatments for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and possibly a cure so that the symptoms can be prevented in the first place. Factors like neurotransmitter and immune deficiency and viral infection have been thought to contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome, so clinical trials have tested medications intended to address those factors. However, much of the research is inconclusive—medication like Ritalin, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has lessened fatigue and improved concentration in some trials, while no effect has been shown and even disproven in studies testing antiviral drugs and other medication. So for now, the best course of action is to implement a combination of current treatments to combat chronic fatigue syndrome from all sides.