Which tool is commonly used to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The use of questionnaires is a widely accepted tool for diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Questionnaires are valuable because they can systematically assess a patient’s symptoms, functional status, and the impact of fatigue on daily life. CFS is primarily characterized by persistent fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and has a profound effect on physical and mental functioning.

These questionnaires often explore various aspects of fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and the duration and severity of symptoms, which help healthcare providers determine if a patient meets the criteria for a CFS diagnosis. The subjective nature of the fatigue experienced by patients makes questionnaires particularly useful, as they provide a framework for understanding the patient’s experience in detail.

Other options like blood tests or X-rays are not commonly used specifically to diagnose CFS as they may not reveal any abnormalities related to this condition. A physical exam might be conducted as part of the evaluation but does not by itself confirm a diagnosis of CFS. Thus, questionnaires stand out as the most effective and direct means of gathering the necessary information to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.