Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a clinically defined condition which is characterized by severe and disabling fatigue. This fatigue is accompanied by a combination of symptoms that typically include self-reported impairments in concentration and short-term memory, sleep disturbances, and musculoskeletal pain (Evengard, Schacterle & Komaroff, 1999; Wilson, Hickie, Lloyd & Wakefield, 1996).
CFS prevalence rates in the United States are estimated at a minimum of 4 to 10 cases per 100,000 adults 18 years of age or older (Fukuda & Gantz, 1995). In one U.S. study (Evengard et al., 1999), the prevalence among medical patients was found to be about 1%. A several-fold higher prevalence rate of self-reported CFS-like illness exists according to preliminary, unpublished results from a 17,000-person survey coordinated by Centers for Disease Control in an unreferred San Francisco population (Fukuda & Gantz). The typical patient seeking medical care for CFS is usually a Caucasian woman between the ages of mid-20s and late-40s (Evengard et al.; Fukuda & Gantz).
Characteristics of CFS include unexplained, persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue of new or definite onset that is not a result of exertion or alleviated by rest, and it results in reduced levels of functioning. Four or more specific symptoms, persisting or recurring for six or more consecutive months, not predating the fatigue, are present. These symptoms include impairments in short-term memory or concentration, sore throat,
tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes, muscle or multijoint pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours (Evengard et al., 1999; Fukuda, 1994). Depression is a common symptom reported by CFS patients. Studies have indicated that the depression described may be due to CFS rather than a psychiatric disorder (Evengard et al.). CFS patients have reported that their symptoms seriously affect all lev...