Chronic fatigue syndrome prevalence: How many struggle with this disease?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is more prevalent in the United States than previously thought, affecting an estimated 3.3 million adults, according to findings from the National Health Interview Survey. Conducted in 2021 and 2022 with responses from approximately 57,000 U.S. adults, the survey revealed that 1.3% of participants confirmed being diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional with chronic fatigue syndrome and still experiencing its effects.

Given the overlap in symptoms between chronic fatigue and long COVID, the results may encompass individuals grappling with both conditions, as highlighted by a report from MedPage Today, a reputable source for health and medical news. Chronic fatigue syndrome manifests as severe exhaustion, often accompanied by cognitive fog and chronic pain, persisting for at least six months and not alleviated by bed rest.

Analysis of the survey data unveiled notable demographic patterns. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, while white adults exhibited higher prevalence compared to their Black, Hispanic, and Asian counterparts. Additionally, individuals living in poverty reported elevated rates of chronic fatigue syndrome at 2%, with residents in rural areas also demonstrating a higher likelihood of experiencing the condition.

Formally known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, the ailment affects various bodily systems and is characterized by symptoms lasting six months or more. Although often triggered by a severe infection, the precise cause remains elusive, and there is neither a standardized diagnostic test nor an FDA-approved treatment. Despite the absence of a specific drug for this condition, experts posit that the actual number of diagnosed cases is likely a fraction of the total affected population.

The recognition of chronic fatigue syndrome dates back around 40 years; however, some medical professionals initially dismissed it as psychosomatic, dubbing it "yuppie flu." Despite advancements in understanding, a lingering skepticism exists among certain practitioners, as reported by the Associated Press.

Source: Associate Press