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American Morning

Ask CNN: What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Aired May 31, 2001 - 09:22   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And now to the search for the cause and the cure of a condition that's been around some 13 years: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The subject is the focus of today's "Ask CNN" segment.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: A CNN viewer wants to know: What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and can medication cure it?

RHONDA ROWLAND, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was first defined in 1988 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CFS is debilitating and complex.

The main symptom is profound fatigue that does not get better with bed rest and can get worse with physical or mental activity. Patients often experience other symptoms such as weakness, muscle pain, poor memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes and headaches. Although most cases of CFS are triggered by a flu-like or a mono-like illness, no viruses or bacteria have been linked with the illness.

However, two possible causes are now being studied: chlamydia pneumoniae and the human herpes virus. Researchers say until a cause or causes are identified, treatment will remain a challenge.

Currently, most patients work on symptom relief with medications like antidepressants and antianxiety drugs. Doctors usually recommend modest, regular exercise and therapy to help cope with the illness.

There is no cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. About 4 percent of patients recover.

Close to 40 percent show some improvement in symptoms after four years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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