Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Demographics

Females are predominately affected by chronic fatigue immunodysfunction (CFID). According to the CDC, females are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (chronic fatigue immunodysfunction) four times greater than males and more than one million Americans have it. More people in the United States have chronic fatigue immunodysfunction than multiple sclerosis, lupus, lung cancer or ovarian cancer. However, accuracy of this data is difficult to determine since patients are frequently undiagnosed. Lack of diagnosis or misdiagnosis occurs because the diagnostic criterion is not widely known within the medical community. This lack of knowledge can be improved by education and advocacy.

Chronic fatigue immunodysfunction knows no boundaries related to age, race, or socioeconomic status. Some studies suggest that prevalence may be higher among adults than it is in adolescents, and is least common in children. Because of the difficulty in diagnosing youngsters, however, we must consider that these figures may be inaccurate. Children have difficulty relating their symptoms or voicing their concerns. Children with chronic fatigue immunodysfunction usually have an acute onset of symptoms within a few days to weeks with a flu like or mononucleosis like illness, but not always. Those who experience an acute onset are more likely to describe their symptoms clearly. Those whose onset is gradual may not perceive themselves as ill because they have grown used to their symptoms. These children are frequently under diagnosed or missed completely. Think of how chronic fatigue immunodysfunction affects you or your family or friend. Now imagine what it would be like to be a child with this disorder. Likely, these children are labeled as slow, absenteeism is probably higher, and they may exhibit the irritability frequently associated with chronic fatigue immunodysfunction as a behavior problem, shame on us. If we can’t find the energy to fight for ourselves, we must rally for them. Every step counts.

Chronic fatigue immunodysfunction is not exclusive to the United States. It has been reported in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Russia, and South Africa. Third World countries are most likely also affected by this disabling disorder; however, the collection of scientific data is beyond their capabilities. The demographics relating to chronic fatigue immunodysfunction, as we know them today, may change once proper diagnostic tools and reporting methods improve.