What're the risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Women. Although chronic fatigue syndrome occurs much more commonly in women, they do not appear to have more severe symptoms than men with the disorder.

Ethnic Groups. Although previous research reports found that Caucasian women have higher rates of chronic fatigue syndrome than women from other ethnic groups, reports now indicate that such estimates most likely reflect the greater socioeconomic ability of Caucasian women to receive treatment.

Stress-Related Occupations. One study of nurses found that those who were exposed to poor working conditions and threats of accidents faced a higher risk for chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms than those without these experiences. This finding suggests, perhaps, that stressful work puts people at higher risk for chronic fatigue syndrome. Stress alone does not cause chronic fatigue syndrome, however.

Children. Children and adolescents are not immune to its effects. Most studies indicate that girls are more apt to develop chronic fatigue syndrome than boys, although one found the incidence of the syndrome to be equal. According to a 1999 study, half of the children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome also suffer psychiatric disorders, primarily anxiety, but also depression.

Personality and Psychological Factors. Some researchers suggest that people who are over-achievers may be more susceptible to chronic fatigue because they set impossibly high standards for themselves and chronic fatigue syndrome allows them to escape from them. Personality and psychological factors do not appear to be a direct cause of chronic fatigue syndrome but may increase a person's susceptibility to the syndrome after exposure to mental or physical stresses, such as viral infections.

More information on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)