14 DAY TRIAL // Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced yesterday that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should no longer be considered a mere psychological disorder, as it has recently gained the status of a real disease. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) affects more than one million US people and it is very important to track down the disease as early as possible in order to treat it more efficiently - even if up to now no exact treatment has been identified.
Sleep and resting disorders are not just trivial problems we encounter when we are stressed or worried about something. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a severe condition that may become very uncomfortable for the ones affected. However, high rates of this very uncomfortable syndrome have been registered recently, as we live in a maximum speed century in which appropriate resting and sleeping are the last things we think and worry about.
Medical studies carried out on CFS searched to establish the causes that lead to such chronic sleep disorders. They showed that the actual cause of CFS remains unknown. Nevertheless, disorders in the immune, endocrine and nervous systems and genetic and environmental factors are considered to be the possible causes that lead to chronic fatigue. The interactions among all these factors are being under trial in scientific researches all over the world. Most of the times, chronic fatigue occurs in a subject following a cold, influenza or viral infection.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated: "CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) is a terrible illness that prevents many people from taking part in everyday activities and participating in the things they enjoy. Fortunately, there are therapies for CFS that can reduce much of the pain and suffering."
Even if the syndrome is usually connected with stress, depression or other emotional disorders, experts state that depression and related illnesses do not lead to CFS. But they admit that most of the times, depression and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome coexist in an individual and they also share some of the symptoms. Patients with CFS are characterized by deep and prolonged exhaustion and no ability of getting appropriate rest and sleep. A person is diagnosed with this syndrome if during a period of 6 months or more he/she encounters severe and continual fatigue problems.
Dr. Julie Gerberding concluded: "Diagnosis is primarily made by taking a patient's medical history, completing a physical exam and lab tests to rule out other conditions. The CDC considers chronic fatigue syndrome to be a significant public health concern, and we are committed to research that will lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment of the illness."