Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Criteria
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~Major Criteria
Unexplained, persistent fatigue that is not due to ongoing exertion, is not substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset (not lifelong) and results in a significant reduction in previous levels of activity Yes No
Minor Criteria
☐Impaired memory or concentration
☐Postexertional malaise
☐Unrefreshing sleep
☐Muscle pain
☐Multijoint pain without swelling or redness (Adults)
☐Headaches of a new type or severity
☐Sore throat that's frequent or recurring
☐Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
R e s u l t s
~Major Criteria
 
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criteria for CFS
 
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Criteria

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is estimated to affect 4 million people in the United States.

Diagnostic challenges in CFS (per CDC)

  • There is no diagnostic laboratory test or biomarker for CFS
  • Fatigue and other symptoms of CFS are common to many illnesses
  • CFS is an invisible illness and many patients don't look sick
  • The illness has a remitting and relapsing course
  • Symptoms vary from person to person infrequency and severity
  • No two CFS patients have exactly the same pattern of symptoms.

The clinician needs to consider that CFS can have overlay with many other disorders such as:

  • Addison's disease
  • Malignancy
  • Mononucleosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Primary sleep disorders like narcolepsy or sleep apnea
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Obesity (Severe)
  • Major depressive disorders
  • There is also a high frequency of fibromyalgia in patients with CFS
  • Medication side effects may also mimic CFS

Diagnosis of CFS should be considered when the major criteria and at least 4 of the minor criteria are met:

  • Major criteria:
    • Unexplained, persistent fatigue that is not due to ongoing exertion, is not substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset (not lifelong) and results in a significant reduction in previous levels of activity
  • Minor criteria (Must be present for >=6 months):
    • Impaired memory or concentration
    • Postexertional malaise (extreme, prolonged exhaustion and exacerbation of symptoms following physical or mental exertion)
    • Unrefreshing sleep
    • Muscle pain
    • Multijoint pain without swelling or redness (Adults)
    • Headaches of a new type or severity
    • Sore throat that's frequent or recurring
    • Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): CFS Case Definition. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/case-definition/ . Updated May 14, 2012. Last accessed April 19, 2013.