Possible complications of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:
- Major Depression and other Psychiatric conditions: Studies have shown that people with CFS also tend to suffer from psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, somatization disorders, etc. CFS also predisposes one to increased suicide risk.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: CFS is associated with many sleep problems including obstructive sleep apnea
- Social isolation due to avoidance of social contact and social interactions as a result of easy fatigue, low stamina and associated depressed mood
- Lifestyle restrictions due to inability to exert oneself physically or mentally, which significantly influences the person's lifestyle choices
- Increased work absences especially due to sleep difficulties and low stamina leading to problems with employment and career issues
Some of the COMMON DIFFICULTIES for CFS patients include coping with:
- the unpredictable and changing symptoms
- the low stamina that hampers activities of daily life
- the memory and concentration problems that affect school or work performance
- the loss of independence, economic security and livelihood
- the difficulty in maintaining relationships with partners, family members and friends
- the worries about taking care of and raising children
