Diagnosis: Do I Have CFS?

Almost everyone experiences fatigue from time to time. But for at least one million U.S. adults, teens and children, the fatigue is crushing, unrelieved by rest and accompanied by a constellation of other punishing symptoms. They suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS, also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (or CFIDS). Its symptoms are debilitating enough to destroy good health and active lifestyles, end fulfilling careers and devastate families.

More people suffer from CFS than MS, lung cancer or AIDS. Yet 80% have not been diagnosed by a medical provider. Preliminary studies indicate that for CFS, as with other chronic conditions, early detection, diagnosis and treatment ultimately yield better health outcomes.

If you think you may have CFS, this "Do I Have CFS" questionnaire can help familiarize you with the symptom patterns and exclusionary conditions that lead a health care professional to make a CFS diagnosis. It's important to remember that no screening questionnaire can substitute for the assessment of your health by a qualified physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Important to making the diagnosis of CFS is an extensive health history, a thorough physical examination, exclusion of other possible sources of symptoms and consideration of all the symptoms you are experiencing.

This questionnaire follows the diagnostic algorithm that many health care professionals will use to look for a general pattern of symptoms that is consistent with a CFS diagnosis. It is designed to assess the likelihood that your self-reported symptoms fit with the general pattern of CFS symptoms. In any case, it should not discourage you from seeking medical attention for diagnosis and care. If you have already been diagnosed by a health care professional it should not substitute for that assessment.

Disclaimer:
The CFIDS Association of America, Inc. does not dispense medical advice on the diagnosis or treatment of chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS) or similar conditions. This questionnaire is provided only as a source of information to site visitors about the symptom patterns and exclusions that can lead a health care provider to make a diagnosis of CFIDS/CFS. The CFIDS Association of America assumes no liability for any medical treatment or other activity undertaken by readers. For medical advice, please consult your personal health care provider.