Was ist gesichert in der diagnose und behandlung des chronic fatigue syndroms?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by the subjective perception of severe and prolonged fatigue after minimal physical or psychological effort. Associated symptoms are subfebrile temperatures, sore throat and other influenza like symptoms, head- and muscle aches and problems with concentration and sleep. While in single cases these symptoms can be caused by an organic disease previously not found, no underlying organic aetiology is found in most cases. Diagnostically CFS has to be categorised as a somatoform disorder. Influenced by media and pre-treatment experiences patients come into consultation already convinced of suffering from CFS. The diagnosis of CFS offers explanation for a lot of mysterious and burdensome symptoms. Current empirical knowledge does not favour pharmacological treatment of CFS. The most important therapeutic option is physical activation, which is best offered in the way of a training program supervised by competent trainers. Psychotherapeutic interventions should be incorporated in cases of psychological comorbidity as well as in patients suffering from actual psychosocial stress.