3-1

MediFocus MedCenter ©

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
(AM005)

Introduction

Fatigue is a very common symptom all over the world. However, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is more than just fatigue, it is a complex of symptoms that is both prolonged (persisting longer than 6 months) and severe (associated with substantial disability).

CFS commonly affects persons (usually Caucasian women) between the ages of 20 and 50, although it may also occur in children. In one study in the United States, up to 1% of the adult population was found to have symptoms consistent with CFS. In children, the rate was closer to 2%. Symptoms may spontaneously resolve after a few years, especially in children.

CFS has become the focus of considerable research over the last decade, especially in relation to its underlying cause(s) or etiologies which are as yet unknown, although are thought to be multifactorial. Much investigation is devoted to uncovering a possible link to an infectious organism because of the typical "flu-like" beginning of CFS symptoms. There are several possible causes being investigated.

The goals of treatment are to reduce levels of fatigue and associated symptoms, to increase levels of activity, and to improve quality of life. Treatment modalities include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle interventions.

MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information

The Medifocus Guide on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:


What Your Doctor Reads:

This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:


MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information

MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.

MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.

© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.


Return to the MedFocus Medical Center Main Directory