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FAQs: Questions frequently asked of doctors by people with CFS
What causes CFS?
- No single cause of the illness has been identified. Infections,
psychological factors and genetic influences are likely to
contribute.
Is there a diagnostic test for CFS?
- No, there is no blood, urine, or imaging investigation to diagnose
CFS. The keys to diagnosis are recognition of the characteristic
symptoms and exclusion of other possible causes.
Is CFS a psychological disorder?
- All chronic illnesses have significant medical, psychological and
social components. CFS is not simply a form of depression or anxiety.
How long will it take to recover?
- It is not possible to predict for any individual person when the
disorder will resolve. However, people with CFS who have been ill for
less than two years have a high likelihood of recovery within the
following two to three years.
Will bed rest cure the illness?
- No, bed rest may temporarily ease symptoms, but will not improve the
chance of recovery. If continued, bedrest may worsen and perpetuate
the illness.
Is there a cure for CFS?
- No, there is no single curative treatment for CFS. However, there are a
range of symptomatic and supportive treatments which are
beneficial.
Will exercise cure the illness?
- No, although a regular but gentle exercise program that is
individually designed for each person is beneficial. Excessive
physical activity may worsen symptoms in the short term.
Does a modified diet help?
- There is no evidence to suggest that dietary treatment or
"megavitamin" therapy is effective in treating CFS. Some diets
proposed for people with CFS are nutritionally deficient and may
cause harm.
Are there complementary medical approaches which help?
- There is no evidence that such treatments are effective, but little or
no research has been undertaken. It is reasonable to evaluate
unproven treatments on an individual patient basis (trial the
treatment in comparison with placebo) provided there is no
likelihood of harm from the treatment.
Can people with CFS continue working?
- Yes. CFS is associated with a spectrum of disability ranging from
people who are housebound to those who experience more mild symptoms.
Whenever possible people should be encouraged to continue working.
Are people with CFS eligible for Sickness Benefits?
- Yes. Like any other medically certified illness, sickness benefits
or disability allowances are an important part of ensuring the
financial stability of people with CFS.
When recovery occurs does it happen overnight?
- Recovery typically occurs gradually over weeks to months.
Are there long term problems following CFS?
- There are no long term problems after recovery from CFS. This
condition is not associated with an increased risk of infection or
cancer.
Next...
Part 1: What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Draft Clinical Practice Guidelines on the evaluation of prolonged
fatigue and the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome
Version 1
December 1997
http://www.mja.com.au/public/guides/cfs/cfsfaq.html
Published by The Medical Journal of Australia
©MJA 1997
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