Crushing tiredness that doesn’t diminish with rest, CFS can wreck lives. It’s also hard to diagnose, so patients may be seen as hypochondriacs. CFS affects more women than men and is seen mostly between the ages of 30 and 50. The true incidence of CFS is hard to gauge as it often goes undiagnosed due to its varying symptoms.
The prognosis and clinical course of the disorder varies considerably. Some patients don’t recover for years due to poor recovery and high relapse rates. Lower recovery rates and higher relapse rates are associated with those who have had CFS for many years.
Children can also be badly affected. Ones who have mild-to-moderate symptoms are more likely than adults to go into remission.
If left untreated, CFS can lead to social loneliness, depression, deconditioning (weakness due to inactivity) and absence from school or work.
Condition