The chronic fatigue syndrome

The chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is at present under critical debate together with the multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS), sick building syndrome, candidiasis and fibromyalgia. The public take a special interest in these diseases since aetiological factors are considered to tirgger them, such as environmental toxins, immunological disturbances or chronic affection with viruses or bacteria. However, only little is known to date about the aetiology: the diseases are in fact diagnosed only by means of upon subjective complaints. CFS is the best known and most thoroughly studied syndrome of all. We discuss the prerequisites for diagnosis, the usefulness of diagnostic procedures and the opinions on aetiology and therapy. All this is weighted on the experience of the interdisciplinary CFS-clinic in Mainz, where more than one hundred patients have been examined so far.