Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common than some past studies suggest, CDC says

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently unveiled a groundbreaking estimate regarding the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome in the United States. Contrary to previous studies, the CDC’s data indicates that approximately 3.3 million U.S. adults suffer from this condition, shedding light on its significant impact. Dr. Elizabeth Unger, co-author of the report, emphasized that chronic fatigue syndrome is not a rare ailment, challenging prior assumptions.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by prolonged and severe exhaustion persisting for at least six months, unrelieved by rest. Patients also commonly experience symptoms such as pain and cognitive difficulties, which can worsen after physical exertion or mental effort. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this condition, and diagnosing it is challenging due to the absence of definitive blood tests or scans.

Medical professionals have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but research suggests it may result from an extended immune system response following an infection or other immune system disturbances.

This condition first gained prominence nearly four decades ago when clusters of cases were reported in Incline Village, Nevada, and Lyndonville, New York. At that time, some medical experts dismissed it as psychosomatic and even referred to it as “yuppie flu.” Regrettably, some physicians continue to hold these beliefs, as evidenced by patients like Hannah Powell, a 26-year-old woman from Utah who endured five years of misdiagnosis.

The recent CDC report is based on a survey of 57,000 U.S. adults conducted in 2021 and 2022. Participants were asked if they had ever been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome by a healthcare professional and if they still suffered from it. Approximately 1.3% answered affirmatively to both questions, equating to roughly 3.3 million U.S. adults.

Some noteworthy findings include the higher prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome in women compared to men and in white individuals versus other racial and ethnic groups. Surprisingly, these findings contradict the long-standing notion that it predominantly affects affluent white women. Additionally, the study discovered that a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged individuals reported the condition compared to more affluent individuals.

These misconceptions may arise from the fact that traditionally diagnosed and treated patients tend to have better access to healthcare and are more readily believed when they report persistent fatigue and an inability to work. Dr. Brayden Yellman, a specialist at the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, pointed out this disparity in healthcare access.

The report relies on patients’ recollections without verifying their diagnoses through medical records, potentially leading to some overcounting. However, experts believe that only a fraction of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome receive a diagnosis. Dr. Daniel Clauw, director of the University of Michigan’s Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, emphasized that the condition remains unpopular among clinicians due to the absence of approved drugs and treatment guidelines.

Remarkably, the report also suggests that some long COVID patients may be included in the tally of chronic fatigue syndrome cases. Long COVID refers to persistent health issues that emerge weeks, months, or even years after an acute COVID-19 infection. While symptoms vary, a subset of long COVID patients experiences symptoms similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dr. Yellman suggests that these two conditions may be closely related, but long COVID is more widely acknowledged among healthcare professionals and is diagnosed more promptly.

Hannah Powell, one of Dr. Yellman’s patients, shared her experience of being initially misdiagnosed and struggling to receive appropriate care. She found that mentioning long COVID often led to quicker belief and understanding from healthcare providers.

In conclusion, the CDC’s recent findings have shed new light on the prevalence and demographics of chronic fatigue syndrome in the United States. This serious and debilitating condition affects a significant number of individuals, challenging previous misconceptions about its demographic distribution and underscoring the need for increased awareness and research to provide better care and support to those affected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Prevalence

More about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Prevalence

• CDC Report on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Mayo Clinic – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• NIH – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Long COVID Overview
• University of Michigan Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center
• Bateman Horne Center
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute