Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Psychosocial Aspects

Fatigue is considered a nonspecific symptom because it can be indicative of several causes or conditions. It occurs in many physical and psychiatric[Page 177] illnesses, as well as in response to medication or medical treatment or to temporary physical conditions or lifestyle. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has recently emerged as an illness whose primary symptom is chronic fatigue, but it is also accompanied by the various combinations of other symptoms, including sore throats, muscle pains, and unrefreshing sleep. CFS has its origins in the 19th century, with the condition known as neurasthenia. By the late 1800s, neurasthenia was one of the most frequently diagnosed illnesses; however, by World War I, the diagnosis of neurasthenia almost disappeared. By the beginning of this century, medical skepticism concerning this illness increased and neurasthenia began to be viewed as a psychiatric disorder rather than a neurological illness. In addition, neurasthenia patients were increasingly held in low esteem by medical personnel. The debate that occurred about 100 years ago, concerning whether neurasthenia was a disease of the body or mind, has reappeared with CFS.