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Chronic Fatigue, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is still quite misunderstood and has been the center of much debate. The disorder has no known causes, though it has some hypothetical causes, no definite tests to prove its validity and no known cures, though some treatments may help the disorder. Even the name of the disorder has caused much debate.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder that is has many signs and symptoms; the most common symptom being extreme fatigue for no reason that is not improved by rest and may get worse with light physical or mental activity. Other symptoms usually accompany chronic fatigue syndrome, such as muscle pain, insomnia or restless sleep, weakness, impaired memory and impaired concentration. Chronic fatigue syndrome usually must be present for at least six months before it is diagnosed and can last for years. When diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome the first thing a doctor must do is rule out other conditions since it is very similar to major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, bipolar affective disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities and many other conditions.

Over one million people in the United Sates have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. It is most common in people aged 40 to 60, though other ages are susceptible to the disorder, and affects women four times more often than men. Some people are debilitated by the disorder and others are able to live productive lives. It has been reported that only 5 to 10 percent of sufferers are completely cured.

Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is usually intended to provide relief for symptoms individually, since there is no known cure. Drug therapies such as pain medication and sleep medication have been used to treat the disorder, as well as physical therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies and alternative and complimentary therapies. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, light exercise such as gentle yoga and plenty of rest have also proven helpful.

There is a known pattern that the disorder usually begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms that do not go away and it is usually accompanied by a period of great stress in one’s life. When patients fall ill they think it will pass and was perhaps due to stress, but the disorder does not leave like a typical flu. There are cases of gradual onset, but they are reported less often.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is not thought to be contagious or to cause early death.