How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed, and what criteria are used for diagnosis?

Diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), can be challenging, as the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how CFS/ME is diagnosed:

1. Medical history: A thorough medical history to identify symptoms, duration, and impact on daily life.

2. Physical examination: A physical exam to rule out other conditions.

3. Laboratory tests: Blood tests to exclude other conditions, such as:
– Complete Blood Count (CBC)
– Blood chemistry tests
– Thyroid function tests
– Infectious disease tests (e.g., Lyme disease, HIV)
– Autoimmune disorder tests (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)