Common Symptoms of CFIDS

Below are some of the more common symptoms experienced by people with
CFIDS (PWC's).

The following is for general information purposes only. Check with a
licensed health care practitioner if you think you may have CFIDS.

PWC's experience a wide range of symptoms which tend to fluctuate
in severity. Symptoms tend to be individualistic. Some PWC's experience
a certain subset of symptoms, and may not have others. Or they may
have a set of symptoms for awhile and then no longer experience some
of them, but find they are now experiencing new symptoms.

The major symptoms include persisent fatigue and neurological problems.

The fatigue (sometimes referred to as the f-word by PWC's) is unlike
the usual fatigue that the average person experiences after working
hard, or engaging in busy, hectic, or stressful activities. It is
difficult to imagine the severity of the fatigue and how it impacts
a PWC's ability to function. This is probably why this symptom is often
misunderstood by those unfamiliar with it and why this illness is
often not taken seriously. 

PWC's often experience excessive fatigue of a persistent nature which
is not substantially alleviated by rest, and which significantly reduces
their ability to function at previous occupational, educational, social,
and/or personal levels. The severity can range from getting unusually
fatigued after stressful events to being totally bedridden and completely
disabled. Exertion may cause a relapse and a worsening of symptoms, which
can last anywhere from hours to months.

Many PWC's also experience pain in muscles and joints, and muscle aches
which may be difficult to alleviate with pain medication. Cognitive
problems such as difficulty reasoning, substantial impairment of short-
term memory and ability to concentrate, spacial disorientation, difficulty
communicating thoughts and finding the right word, difficulty following
conversations, and "feeling in a fog" are often experienced.

Other symptoms include substantial increase in allergies and sensitivity
to foods, odors, chemicals, medications, vitamins, supplements; unrefreshing
sleep or sleep disturbances such as sleeping too much, inability to fall
asleep or remain asleep; headaches of a new type or severity; gastro-
intestinal problems; persistent sore throat; tender lymph nodes; visual
disturbances such as blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain and frequent
prescription changes; chills and night sweats; shortness of breath;
dizziness and balance problems; abnormally low temperature; sensitivity
to heat and cold; intolerance of alcohol; irregular heart beat; chest
pains; abdominal pain; diarrhea, irritable bowel, numbness or burning in
the face or extremities; menstrual problems including PMS and endometriosis;
rashes and hypersensitivity of the skin; weight changes such as gaining
excessive amounts of weight or difficulty maintaining weight, without 
changes to diet; hair loss; fainting; muscle twitches; seizures; hearing
disorders or sensitivity; dryness of mouth and eyes; and psychological
problems such as depression, panic attacks, and personality changes. Often
PWC's experience persistent flu-like symptoms.

Several studies have reported a difference between people with CFIDS
and people who are diagnosed as clinically depressed. Depression in
PWC's is generally believed to be a result of being chronically ill and
suffering the substantial change in life style and quality of life. The
rigors of trying to find effective treatment and support also contribute
to depression and frustration in PWC's. As a result, depression is usually
seen as secondary to having CFIDS rather than a primary factor.

(Information is a composite from the CFIDS Association of America and other
sources.)
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