Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis

The signs and symptoms of CFS can appear similar to those of many other health conditions, and there’s no one test to confirm whether an individual does, in fact, have CFS. Because of this, the biggest challenge in diagnosing^[13] chronic fatigue syndrome is determining whether it’s CFS or another condition that’s causing your symptoms. Before you can receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a healthcare provider or specialist will conduct a thorough examination, including an evaluation of a patient’s personal and family health histories, the frequency and severity of their symptoms, and to what extent these symptoms are affecting their life. Such an evaluation can be used, in part, to rule out^[14] the possibility of other illnesses or problems, including:

• Anemia: This condition occurs when the body lacks enough healthy blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the body’s systems and tissues. Anemia often causes weakness and tiredness, both of which are present in patients with CFS.
• Diabetes: Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can cause fatigue and weakness, especially when blood sugar (glucose) levels are not properly managed.
• Hypothyroidism: Fatigue is one of the major symptoms of hypothyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain essential hormones.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia, can all contribute to chronic fatigue and exhaustion.
• Impaired heart or lung function: Problems with the heart or lungs can cause fatigue and weakness.
• Mental health disorders: Some mental health conditions can cause fatigue, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Your healthcare provider will likely order testing for some or all of these conditions in order to determine whether they may be causing your symptoms. Some forms of lab testing, such as blood tests and exercise stress tests, may be used to identify signs of anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and problems with the heart or lungs. Sleep disorders and mental health disorders may instead be identified by a counselor, psychologist, or another type of specialist.