Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Are There Different Phenotypes?

The authors note the lack of clarity in CFS criteria complicates research and disease management and may contribute to the significant stigma associated with CFS. They call for consistent study exclusion criteria, which may make it possible to better delineate CFS and depression, as well as the overlapping presenting symptoms of the two disease states. They further recommend that research focus on those aspects of the disease spectrum, such as autonomic dysfunction, that have significant implications for clinical management.

Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.

Reference

1. Maclachlan L, Watson S, Gallagher P, et al. Are current chronic fatigue syndrome criteria diagnosing different disease phenotypes? PLoS One. 2017 Oct 20;12(10):e0186885. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186885. eCollection 2017.