Although chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was first named in the
1980s, it is not a new disease and has been referred to by other
names since the 1700s. Yet it remains a controversial topic
because, even as diagnoses increase, many people (health
professionals and the public alike) doubt CFS exists or consider
it a psychological ailment. But research confirms that CFS is
indeed a physical illness — just one that's not fully
understood. At least 1 million people in the United States have
CFS, and tens of millions more have a CFS-like condition,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). The hallmark symptoms of CFS are overwhelming fatigue and
weakness that make it extremely difficult to perform routine and
daily tasks, like getting out of bed, dressing, and eating. The
fatigue does not get better with bed rest. The illness can
severely affect school, work, and leisure activities, and cause
physical and emotional symptoms that can last for months or even
years. Chronic fatigue syndrome is