GP explains difference between ‘chronic fatigue’ signs and normal burnout
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms and general burnout can be hard to tell apart, but one GP is highlighting the difference
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a complex and long-term condition that can severely impact a person's daily life. However, it can be hard to diagnose as the symptoms often overlap and mimic a range of other issues like general burnout or sleep disorders.
There's no single way of treating CFS, it's all individually tailored to each person's symptoms according to the NHS so getting a speedy diagnosis is vital to address the issues impacting your daily life. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, highlighted the few signs that set CFS apart.
He said: “While burnout and CFS share some common symptoms, they can also be incredibly different. Understanding the contrasts can allow people to identify chronic fatigue more effectively.
“Typically, feelings of burnout are brought on through excessive stress, almost always tied to a particular event such as work. Burnout can be treated through rest and addressing the issues that cause overwhelming stress.
“On the other hand, CFS is a long-term condition that isn’t relieved through sleep, recovery or addressing potential stressors. Instead, the body can feel like it’s run a marathon, even after the smallest of tasks. While burnout is generally psychological, CFS can impact the body on a physical level.”
Certain factors can also heighten your chances of developing CFS or make the symptoms worse, including the menopause, mental health problems, long Covid and other viral infections. However, the main culprit is typically sleep troubles such as insomnia or being unable to maintain a regular sleep pattern that delivers seven to nine hours of rest nightly.
The GP continued: “Other signs of CFS include changes to cognitive function such as difficulty with memory, concentration or general brain fog.
“It’s also common for people with CFS to feel worn out after completing simple tasks, while also experiencing joint and muscle pain, without necessarily putting their bodies through any physical exertion.”
Plenty of people might encounter one or two of these symptoms occasionally, or even struggle with burnout and general exhaustion. However, the GP encouraged people to discuss these concerns openly with their doctor as there's currently no specific method to diagnose CFS and highlighting your symptoms can result in a swifter and more precise diagnosis.
He continued: “GPs will generally ask about lifestyle habits and potential stressors while assessing prior medical history to identify potential causes of decreasing energy levels. Like the diagnosis process, there’s no specific way to treat CFS.
“Instead, doctors will trial a few different approaches. This includes cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and incorporating methods for energy management into people’s daily routines.
“Also, as CFS can impact sleep or physical pain, a GP might prescribe medications that can target and lower the intensity of these symptoms. Overall, I believe CFS can be complicated to identify, for both medical professionals and potential sufferers. However, by understanding the tell-tale signs and how it differs from burnout or general tiredness, spotting CFS can be made so much easier.”