Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Practice Test

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized by significant and persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest and often worsens with physical or mental activity. The defining feature of this fatigue is that it is disproportionate to the amount of physical activity that a person engages in. For individuals with CFS, even minimal exertion can lead to severe fatigue that may last for days, known as post-exertional malaise. This stands in stark contrast to healthy individuals, who usually recover from exercise-related fatigue within a reasonable timeframe.

Understanding the context of fatigue in CFS also highlights why considerations like the time of day, dietary habits, and quality of sleep, while important, do not mirror the unique characteristic of fatigue in CFS. Although these factors can influence overall health and energy levels, the hallmark of CFS is the extreme and disproportionate response to physical exertion, making it the most defining aspect of the disorder.