Highlights:

Causes

• Researchers have discovered 88 different genes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) related to blood disease, immune system function, and infection. Within this group of genes, the researchers identified seven subtypes, which could relate to infection response, and which might be used as part of a diagnostic test. They also honed in on five genes that could be possible targets for treatment.
• Researchers have discovered further evidence that a faulty stress response contributes to CFS. Women with CFS have significantly lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol when they wake up in the morning compared with women who don't have the condition. Men with CFS do not have a similar drop in cortisol level, suggesting that a difference in the cortisol response may contribute to the increased risk of CFS only in women.

Diagnosis

• Depression is a common symptom of CFS. In one study, 36% of CFS patients were depressed. Depression in these patients was associated with lower self-esteem and an increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

Prognosis

• CFS patients appear to have slower motor speed and reduced working memory than those without the condition, and these changes don't seem to be related to any psychological conditions or medication use.
• Children with CFS have more difficulty than usual paying attention and remembering, which may explain why kids with this condition have more trouble in school than their peers.

Treatment

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective at reducing the symptoms of fatigue compared with usual care. This treatment appears to be more effective than other psychological therapies.