Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Dave Clarke, MD

“Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also called Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disorder (SEID) or Myalgic Encephalitis (ME), is marked by severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, pain, and other symptoms that worsen with exertion.

These symptoms persist for at least six months and cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.

Although the symptoms of CFS are real, the exact cause remains unknown. Given the brain's ability to generate physical symptoms, it is worth considering whether it might play a role, even partially, in contributing to CFS.”

  • Why would the brain do this? Nearly always, one or more types of stress is involved even if this is not fully recognized at first.

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  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

    Experiences that would make you sad or angry if they happened to a child for whom you care.

  • Stressful Personality Traits

    Such as focusing too much on the needs of others, excessive self-criticism, perfectionism, lack of assertiveness, and many others.

  • Unrecognized Negative Emotions

    Such as anger, fear, shame, grief, or guilt.

  • Triggers

    Including people, situations, or events that remind you of stressful situations.

  • Current Life Stresses

    Such as work, parenting, pressure from loved ones, or major life changes.

  • Mental Health Challenges

    Such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress.

The good news is that all these sources of stress can be successfully diagnosed and treated.

To explore whether this applies to you, take the self-diagnostic quiz below. It consists of 12 simple 'Yes or No' questions. The more 'Yes' answers you provide, the more likely it is that the resources on this website can help.