Chronic fatigue

Source: Chronic fatigue syndrome: A review (Balachander et al.) 2014.

This article is about the symptom of Chronic Fatigue, a misnomer often used by the media. For the symptom of chronic fatigue, please see chronic fatigue (symptom).

Chronic fatigue (CF) is a symptom of many diseases, illnesses and medications. It means the patient experiences significant and long-term fatigue. It should be distinguished from the disease called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), of which chronic fatigue is only one of many symptoms. The two terms are not interchangeable. Wikipedia contains separate pages for each.

Chronic fatigue vs. Chronic fatigue syndrome

Verywell FMS/ME/CFS has two blogs discussing the difference. Chronic Fatigue vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - One's a Symptom, One's a Disease and Chronic Fatigue Versus Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - What's the Difference?

Dr. Jarred Younger explains Chronic fatigue and begins by stating "Fatigue is not a disease and it is not even a symptom. So fatigue is a alarm system and the most general alarm system the body has." Webinar with Jarred Younger, Ph.D. (@6:04-7:54)

Examples of incorrect usage

In these examples the disease chronic fatigue syndrome is erroneously referred to using the name of only one of the many symptoms involved, chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue is a symptom, not a disease.

• Feb, 2016, How the hell of chronic fatigue drives sufferers to suicide: Those battling condition are SIX times more likely to take their own lives
• Feb, 2015, Chronic fatigue IS 'a real and serious disease': Doctors draw up new guidelines on how to diagnose the condition

Notable studies

• 2018, Association of sleep disorders, chronic pain, and fatigue with survival in patients with chronic kidney disease: A meta-analysis of clinical trials

See also

• Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
• Fukuda criteria
• Oxford criteria

Learn more

• Wikipedia - Fatigue (chronic fatigue)
• Wikipedia - Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Jun 21, 2014, ME/CFS Diagnosis and Name with Dr. Nancy Klimas

chronic fatigue (CF) - Persistent and abnormal fatigue is a symptom, not an illness. It may be caused by depression, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or many other illnesses. The term "chronic fatigue" should never be confused with the disease chronic fatigue syndrome.

chronic fatigue (CF) - Persistent and abnormal fatigue is a symptom, not an illness. It may be caused by depression, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or many other illnesses. The term "chronic fatigue" should never be confused with the disease chronic fatigue syndrome.

chronic fatigue (CF) - Persistent and abnormal fatigue is a symptom, not an illness. It may be caused by depression, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or many other illnesses. The term "chronic fatigue" should never be confused with the disease chronic fatigue syndrome.

post-exertional malaise (PEM) - A notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small physical or cognitive exertions. PEM may be referred to as a "crash" or "collapse" and can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain, trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, and others.