Does a GP consultation treat chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis, involves persistent symptoms that can include disabling fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, difficulty thinking and worsening after activity. A GP considers the whole pattern and asks about sleep, pain, dizziness, mood, infections, medicines and how exertion affects you.

There is no single consultation or tablet that suits everyone. The GP may arrange examinations and tests to look for other explanations, then help you pace activity within your limits, manage sleep or pain, and access physiotherapy, occupational therapy or other clinicians when appropriate. The plan should be adjusted if activity causes a marked symptom flare.

Book an appointment if ongoing fatigue limits normal activities or has changed your ability to study, work or care for yourself. Bring a short symptom diary covering sleep, activity, concentration, dizziness and delayed worsening. Describe what happens after physical or mental effort, rather than judging yourself by a fixed exercise target. Keep follow-up appointments so the plan can respond to changes.

Get urgent help for new chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden confusion, one-sided weakness, or thoughts of harming yourself. Seek prompt review for rapidly worsening function, inability to keep fluids down, or symptoms suggesting a new infection or another acute illness.

What other conditions should we check for? How can I pace activity safely? Which symptoms should I track? Could any medicine be worsening fatigue or sleep? When should we review the plan?