Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications and will perform a physical exam. There are no specific diagnostic tests for CFS, but the doctor will perform several tests to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms.

The doctor will look for the following signs to determine if you have CFS:

• Severe, chronic fatigue for at least six months that is not due to another illness or medical cause, along with:
  • At least four of the following symptoms according to the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group Criteria:
    • Impairment of short-term memory or concentration
    • Sore throat
    • Tender lymph nodes
    • Muscle pain
    • Joint pain without swelling or redness
    • Headaches of a new type, severity, or pattern
    • Unrefreshing sleep
    • Prolonged fatigue lasting 24 hours or more after exercise