Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) By: Maya Chahbi

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Introduction:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, long-term illness that causes severe fatigue that does not improve with rest. Symptoms can significantly affect a person’s ability to carry out physical and mental activities. ME/CFS is important to understand because it can affect people’s daily lives, education, work, healthcare, and overall well-being.

Causes:

Researchers have not yet identified one exact cause of ME/CFS. However, a combination of factors may play a role, including:

● Genetics: Genetics may contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing ME/CFS.

● Infections: Some people develop ME/CFS symptoms after recovering from an infection.

● Energy Use: Research suggests that some people with ME/CFS may have differences in how their bodies produce and use energy.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of ME/CFS can vary from person to person, and their severity can change from day to day. In addition to fatigue, symptoms may include:

● Post-exertional malaise (PEM): Symptoms become worse after physical, mental, or emotional activity.

● Unrefreshing sleep: A person may still feel tired even after sleeping.

● Muscle or joint pain

● Difficulty with memory or thinking: This is sometimes described as “brain fog.”

Statistics:

ME/CFS affects millions of people worldwide, although the exact number is difficult to determine because many people remain undiagnosed. Research estimates that women are affected more often than men, with women being diagnosed approximately two to four times as often in some studies. ME/CFS can affect people of different ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Some studies suggest that a large proportion of people with ME/CFS may remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for greater awareness and recognition of the condition.

Awareness:

Learning about ME/CFS is important because it can have a major impact on a person’s daily life, education, employment, healthcare, and social relationships. Because many of its symptoms are not visible to others, people living with ME/CFS may experience misunderstanding or a lack of recognition. Increasing awareness can help promote understanding, encourage earlier recognition, and support further research into the condition.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and life-changing illness whose exact cause is still not fully understood. Continued research is important for improving our understanding of ME/CFS, developing better treatments, and supporting the millions of people affected by the condition. Raising awareness can also help ensure that people living with ME/CFS are better understood and supported.

Sources:

● "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Jan. 2026.

● "Fast Facts: ME/CFS." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 May 2024.

● Vardaman, Maya, and Stuart Gilmour. "Letter: Time to Correct the Record on the Global Burden of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)." Journal of Translational Medicine, vol. 23, no. 1, 14 Mar. 2025.

● Meadows, Danielle. "Science Wednesdays: Estimating Lifetime Prevalence of ME/CFS." Open Medicine Foundation Canada, 2026.

● "About the Disease." Solve ME/CFS Initiative, 2026.

● "Epidemiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome." MEpedia, 29 July 2023.

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