Chronic fatigue syndrome is not rare, says new CDC survey. It affects 3.3 million U.S. adults

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The latest survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a nationally representative estimate of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome in the United States. According to the CDC’s findings, approximately 3.3 million U.S. adults are affected by this condition. This figure surpasses previous estimates and highlights that chronic fatigue syndrome is far from being a rare illness, as stated by Dr. Elizabeth Unger, one of the report’s co-authors.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by severe exhaustion persisting for at least six months, which does not improve with bed rest. Patients also commonly report accompanying symptoms such as pain, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as “brain fog”), and worsened symptoms following physical exertion. Regrettably, there is currently no cure for this condition, and it lacks a definitive diagnostic test such as a blood test or scan.

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains elusive, but research suggests that it may result from a prolonged and exaggerated immune system response to an infection or other triggers. Notably, the syndrome gained prominence around 40 years ago when clusters of cases were identified in Incline Village, Nevada, and Lyndonville, New York. At that time, it was disparagingly labeled as “yuppie flu” by some who dismissed it as psychosomatic.

Tragically, some patients, like Hannah Powell, a 26-year-old woman from Utah, faced dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers, who attributed their symptoms to anxiety and depression, leading to misdiagnoses and prolonged suffering.

The CDC’s report is based on a comprehensive survey of 57,000 U.S. adults conducted in 2021 and 2022. Participants were asked whether a healthcare professional had ever diagnosed them with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome and if they still had the condition. Approximately 1.3% of respondents answered affirmatively to both questions, equating to an estimated 3.3 million U.S. adults affected.

Among the report’s other findings, it was noted that chronic fatigue syndrome is more prevalent in women than men and more common among white individuals compared to certain other racial and ethnic groups, consistent with previous, smaller-scale studies. However, the findings contradicted the notion that the condition primarily afflicts affluent white women. There was a narrower gender gap than previously suggested, and the racial disparity was less pronounced. Surprisingly, the survey indicated that a higher percentage of individuals with lower socioeconomic status reported the condition compared to more affluent individuals. This suggests that misconceptions about the syndrome may be tied to access to healthcare and the credibility of patients reporting persistent fatigue.

It is essential to note that the report relied on participants’ recollections and did not verify their diagnoses through medical records, which may lead to some overestimation. However, experts believe that only a fraction of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome receive a formal diagnosis. Dr. Daniel Clauw, director of the University of Michigan’s Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, pointed out that the lack of approved drugs and treatment guidelines for the condition has hindered its recognition as a clinical diagnosis in the United States.

The CDC’s estimate also likely includes individuals with long COVID who experience prolonged exhaustion, as symptoms in some long COVID patients resemble those of chronic fatigue syndrome. Although both conditions may share commonalities, long COVID has gained more acceptance among healthcare providers and is diagnosed more promptly.

Hannah Powell’s experience illustrates the challenges faced by chronic fatigue syndrome patients in obtaining appropriate care. To navigate this, some individuals resort to referring to their condition as “long COVID” when seeking medical attention, which often leads to quicker belief and recognition.

In conclusion, the CDC’s recent survey sheds light on the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome in the United States, emphasizing its significance and dispelling the notion that it is rare. This condition continues to pose challenges for diagnosis and treatment, and its impact extends to individuals from various demographic backgrounds, highlighting the need for increased awareness and research into effective interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Prevalence

More about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Prevalence

• CDC – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• NIH – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• CDC’s Report on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Healthline – Long COVID vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• University of Michigan – Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center