Chronic Fatigue Syndrome mnemonic: EMPHASIS

MNEMONICS, PSYCHIATRY

The criteria for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome includes severe fatigue that lasts for 6 months or more PLUS at least of four of the following physical symptoms:

  • Exhausted and feeling unwell for more than 24 hours after physical activity (postexertional malaise)
  • Muscle pain,
  • Pain in multiple joints (Polyarthralgia)
  • Headaches
  • Adenopathy (Tender lymph nodes)
  • Sore throat
  • Impaired memory (Memory problems)
  • Sleep problems (unrefreshing sleep)

Acrostic: EMPHASIS is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It occurs mostly in women in their 40s and 50s.

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