Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can be mistaken for workplace burnout, but a GP is highlighting crucial differences that could help millions get proper diagnosis and treatment. The complex long-term condition, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, severely impacts daily life but shares symptoms with common burnout and sleep disorders.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explains the key distinction. "While burnout and CFS share some common symptoms, they can also be incredibly different," he said. "Understanding the contrasts can allow people to identify chronic fatigue more effectively."
Key differences in causes
Burnout typically stems from excessive stress tied to specific events like work pressure. "Typically, feelings of burnout are brought on through excessive stress, almost always tied to a particular event such as work," Dr Grant said. "Burnout can be treated through rest and addressing the issues that cause overwhelming stress."
CFS operates differently as a long-term condition that isn't relieved through sleep, recovery or addressing potential stressors. "On the other hand, CFS is a long-term condition that isn't relieved through sleep, recovery or addressing potential stressors," Dr Grant said. "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."
Physical and cognitive symptoms
CFS affects cognitive function in distinctive ways that set it apart from general tiredness. "Other signs of CFS include changes to cognitive function such as difficulty with memory, concentration or general brain fog," Dr Grant said.
People with the condition experience severe fatigue after completing simple tasks whilst suffering joint and muscle pain without physical exertion. "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," Dr Grant said.
Risk factors and triggers
Sleep troubles represent the main factor heightening CFS risk, particularly inability to maintain regular sleep patterns delivering seven to nine hours nightly. Other factors including menopause, mental health problems, long Covid and viral infections can worsen symptoms or trigger the condition.
Diagnosis and treatment challenges
The NHS confirms there is no single treatment for CFS, requiring approaches tailored individually to each person's symptoms. GPs assess lifestyle habits, potential stressors and medical history to identify causes of decreasing energy levels, as there's currently no specific diagnostic test.
Treatment trials include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and energy management methods incorporated into daily routines. Doctors might prescribe medications targeting sleep issues or physical pain to reduce symptom intensity.
"Overall, I believe CFS can be complicated to identify, for both medical professionals and potential sufferers," Dr Grant said. "However, by understanding the tell-tale signs and how it differs from burnout or general tiredness, spotting CFS can be made so much easier."
Sources used: "Daily Record", "Cornwall Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
