Chronic fatigue syndrome is the term used when people experience severe fatigue which is inconsistent with the amount of activity they have undertaken and not related to any other associated cause. Chronic fatigue syndrome is usually diagnosed following a period of 6 months of chronic fatigue, along with other symptoms.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also sometimes referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (MDA Internet 2005; Better Health Channel 2006).
Symptoms and characteristics
The one common symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is severe chronic fatigue which is inconsistent with the amount of activity undertaken.
Other symptoms may include:
- chronic flu like feeling which may include sore throat, fever and nausea
- disturbed sleep
- headaches
- heart rate and blood pressure changes
- impaired capacity to concentrate
- impaired memory
- muscle and joint pain
- sensitivity to temperature changes, light, touch and sound
- shortness of breath following any form of exercise
- urinary and gastrointestinal problems
- weight loss or gain.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work-related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
(MDA Internet 2005-2008; Better Health Channel 2008; ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) (no date specified))
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist people with chronic fatigue syndrome to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to the work routine, duties or shifts (MDA Internet 2005; Better Health Channel 2006; M.E./CFS Society of Victoria 2006).
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2008, Chronic fatigue syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 30 January 2009, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome?open
MDA Internet 2005-2008, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 30 January 2009, http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)
ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) (no date specified), What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?, ME/CFS Australia (Victoria), Melbourne, viewed 30 January 2009, http://www.mecfs-vic.org.au/