The doctor told about the non-obvious symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

A constant feeling of exhaustion that does not go away even after a long rest can be a sign of a serious illness. Irina Krashkina, a psychotherapist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), PhD, told Izvestia about insidious chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) on April 23.

She explained that chronic fatigue syndrome is called a disease of civilization — residents of megacities aged 25-45 years most often suffer from it. Perfectionists and workaholics are particularly vulnerable: surgeons, top managers, IT specialists, and journalists. Their body is constantly working at the limit of its capabilities, which eventually leads to a complete depletion of resources.

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The main symptoms of CFS are persistent fatigue, cognitive impairments ("fog in the head", problems with concentration), emotional instability and muscle pain, dizziness and sleep disorders. However, standard tests often do not detect abnormalities, and patients have not been able to receive an accurate diagnosis for years.

"Identifying CFS is a real challenge for doctors. Standard tests often show the norm, and patients have been seeing specialists for years without a clear diagnosis. The key criterion is persistent fatigue lasting more than six months, accompanied by characteristic symptoms," Krashkina said.

According to her, the causes of CFS are not fully understood. The main hypotheses include viral infections, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, mitochondrial disorders, and the complex interaction of stress with the immune and neuroendocrine systems.

Treatment requires an individual approach. The psychotherapist noted that the most effective methods are mitochondrial therapy (coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine), micronutrient support, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, as well as adaptive physical therapy and breathing techniques.

To prevent CFS in a megalopolis, Krashkina recommends observing digital hygiene, practicing short rest periods during the day, and maintaining natural biological rhythms.

"Chronic fatigue syndrome is not a weakness of character, but a complex multisystem disorder. Modern medicine considers it as a signal to the body about a deep imbalance that requires an integrated approach. The earlier the correction is started, the higher the chances of a full recovery of vitality," the doctor warned.

The specialist notes that constant fatigue is not the norm of life, and if alarming symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Earlier, on April 22, Aminat Gappoeva, an endocrinologist at SM Clinic, told Izvestia about the dangers of overabundance and lack of vitamin D. According to her, not only vitamin D deficiency can be dangerous, but also an overabundance of it. It is important that the symptoms of vitamin D overabundance may be non-specific and characteristic of other diseases.