Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Defined
(The Alternative Medicine Review -  May 2000)

The International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group has formulated the following 2-part definition:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is clinically-evaluated, unexplained, persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue which:

1. is of new or definite onset

2. is not the result of ongoing exertion

3. is not substantially alleviated by rest

4. results in substantial reduction in levels of occupational, educational, social and personal activities

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome involves the concurrent occurrence of 4 or more of the following symptoms, all of which must be persistent and occur within a consecutive 6 month period:

1. Self-reported impairment in short-term memory or concentration severe enough to cause substantial reduction in occupational, educational, social and personal activities.

2. Sore throat

3. Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

4. Muscle pain

5. Joint pain

6. Headache of a new type, pattern or severity.

7. Unrefreshing sleep

8.  Post-exertional malaise lasting for more than 24 hours