Medical Conditions that Exclude a Diagnosis of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

Many medical and psychiatric disorders are accompanied by symptoms of fatigue or reduced activity. It is therefore very important to conduct a thorough clinical examination before attributing such symptoms to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Perhaps the most relevant clinical diagnoses that exclude CFS are:

• Sleep apnea: This is rather common for patients with severe obesity. All other sleep disorders can cause fatigue the next morning.
• Hypothyroidism (reduced function of the thyroid gland)
• Chronic heart problems (low output, cardiomyopathy)
• Side effects of medication (some medication for high blood pressure, sleeping pills, pills for muscle relaxation and many more!)
• Chronic alcohol abuse / addiction to drugs or medication: Even some months after excessive alcohol exposure, symptoms of fatigue and/or a lack of motivation can interfere with the quality of life.
• Some chronic infections (e.g., Hepatitis B or C) or malignancies such as Hodgkin's lymphoma can also cause fatigue.
• Use and deprivation of caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate)
• For women, heavy menstruation that leads to iron deficiency

Many psychiatric disorders and/or medical treatments can cause symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue and somnolence are common symptoms of depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorders. Any subtype of schizophrenia or delusional disorders can cause fatigue. The same is true of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa.

It is important that a medical examination be performed to rule out these disorders and conditions before making a diagnosis of CFS.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue (CFS)

Definition

A state of chronic fatigue, exhaustion and tiredness during the day that lasts more than six months and that cannot be explained by a physical pathogenic cause.

Symptoms of CFS

It is important to note that exhaustion, tiredness during the day and a lack of energy and productivity are very unspecific symptoms and are very common among patients. Typical accessory symptoms of a fatigue syndrome (i.e., chronic fatigue syndrome) are:

• Concentration disorders (also see other possible causes)
• Sleep disorders and an excessive need to sleep
• Subfebrile temperatures (i.e., a slight fever with no explicable cause of infection)
• Swollen lymph nodes (mostly painful, especially in the shoulder area and the neck)
• Muscle pain
• Pain on one or both sides of the neck and inflammation of the pharynx

It is common to see depression symptoms and anxiety disorders. Due to the number and non-specific nature of these symptoms, it can be difficult to develop a differential diagnosis.