Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a complex and often debilitating illness that affects at least one million Americans. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat, creating a cycle of frustration for both patients and health care professionals. Whether you’re a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other health care professional, you can help patients with CFS. You can break the cycle of frustration and help your CFS patients manage symptoms, improve function and improve quality of life. The Canadian Clinical Case Definition for ME/CFS provides helpful descriptions of characteristic CFS symptoms, differential diagnosis and management.
Resources for Medical Professionals
We have developed a variety of materials to reflect the various needs of clinicians working in diverse practice settings. These materials are described below.
CFS Toolkit
This easy-to-use CFS Toolkit (also available on the CDC's CFS Website ) includes the most up-to-date information on CFS clinical care. In less than 30 minutes, health care professionals can review the best practices related to diagnosing and managing CFS. A diagnostic algorithm for CFS is included in the toolkit. Topics include: Basic CFS Overview, Diagnosing CFS, Managing Supportive Care, Managing Symptoms, Managing Activity and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Download the 12 page kit below using Adobe Acrobat software.
Recognition and Management of CFS
This quick-reference brochure provides an overview of diagnosis and management, including an illustrated diagnostic algorithm. Click here for a downloadable copy.
CFS Clinical Care Resources
The CFIDS Association publishes evidence-based information on clinical care, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment interventions, activity management, supportive care and other topics of interest to clinicians and researchers. Sample articles of interest:
Sample articles of interest:
Managing Your Energy Envelope
Differentiating CFS from Depression
Doc to Doc: The "Skinny on Exercise and CFS"
Developing an Individualized Treatment Plan for CFS
Occupational Therapy for CFS
Pearls of Wisdom from a CFS Physician
Nurses Can Play Key Role in CFS Management