Hard Look At Fatigue Statistics

by Carol Branwen http://body-fatigue.com/

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition wherein the patient feels persis
tent fatigue that cannot be relieved with rest, for over six months. Other sympt
oms include sleep difficulties, cognitive impairment, impaired concentration, so
re throat, tender glands, stiff muscles, joint pain, and headaches. A person wit
h this condition always feels tired and therefore cannot function properly in hi
s/her daily life.

http://body-fatigue.com/

Studies have show that chronic fatigue syndrome is a relatively rare condition.
It is estimated that half a million people in the US have chronic fatigue syndro
me while only a quarter in UK. The prevalence rate of the condition is approxima
tely 1 in 544 or 0.18% of the population in the USA.

Most of those who have this condition are adults as it usually develops in the e
arly 20s to mid 40s. However, children and adolescents can also be affected by t
his condition, although at a lower rate. Statistics also show that women are mor
e prone to chronic fatigue syndrome as they are four times more likely to have t
he condition.

Social class can also factor in the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome. Peop
le from the lower socioeconomic classes are more likely to be fatigued. This may
be due to the fact that they are prone to social adversity, a known predictor o
f fatigue. Community surveys have also shown that Caucasians have lower risk of
having the condition compared with Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americ
ans.

It is also observed that there are family members who have developed chronic fat
igue syndrome, suggesting that the condition is a genetic predisposition. Howeve
r, there is not enough evidence to support this claim.

Other people that are known to be susceptible to this condition are those who we
re infected with viruses, Gulf War veterans, and high-risk occupational groups s
uch as health workers, airline pilots, and shift workers. The future of those wh
o have chronic fatigue syndrome is also grim as only 5-10% of the cases fully re
covers from the condition. However, through the right combination of treatments,
the symptoms of the condition can still be managed, allowing the patient to fun
ction again in his/her daily life.
by Carol Branwen http://body-fatigue.com/