Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Since no cause for CFS has been identified, the therapies for this disorder are directed at relief of your symptoms until you gradually recover. You and your doctor should work together to develop an individually tailored program that provides the greatest perceived benefit. Ideally, it will be based on a combination of therapies.

Treatment may involve the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Alternative and complementary therapies Other treatments

Currently, there are no surgical procedures for the treatment of CFS.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .

Craig T, Kakumanu S. Chronic fatigue syndrome: evaluation and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65:1083-1090.

Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. J Clin Virol. 2006;37:139-150.

Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet. 2006;367:346-355.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
Review Date: 11/2012
Update Date: 11/26/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.