We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Chronic Fatigue and Depression?

By B. Koch
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,694
Share

Chronic fatigue and depression are closely connected. The two disorders share many symptoms, such as body aches and loss of energy. Doctors are unsure, however, if chronic fatigue and depression are triggered by each other or if having one disorder puts individuals at higher risk for the other.

The symptoms of depression vary from person to person but generally include chronic sadness or unhappiness, irritability, frustration, slowed thinking, loss of interest, changes in sleep patterns, decreased concentration, fatigue and thoughts of death or suicide. The symptoms of depression affect both mind and body and can range anywhere from mild to life-altering. The exact causes of depression are unknown, but it may be caused by trauma, stress, hormones or other biological factors. Depression can often be controlled through medications and therapy.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a disorder involving constant, severe fatigue that may happen after physical or mental activity and is not relieved by rest. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but it has been linked to anemia, hypoglycemia, depression, chronic low blood pressure, and changes in hormone levels. To be officially diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, symptoms must last for at least six months and include fatigue, loss of memory and concentration, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, headaches, and severe exhaustion after activity.

Some doctors believe that chronic fatigue syndrome may cause some individuals to become depressed. Studies have shown that individuals with this condition are three times more likely to develop depression at some point in their lives than people who do not suffer from chronic fatigue. It is uncertain if chronic fatigue syndrome itself results in depression or if the strain and restrictiveness of the syndrome’s symptoms causes individuals to become depressed.

Long-term depression may trigger chronic fatigue. Fatigue is one symptom of depression, and studies show that those with depression are at least four times more likely to experience unexplained fatigue. Whether depression triggers chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue is a symptom of depression is not yet known.

It is possible that either problem may cause the other to develop, yet it is also possible that neither chronic fatigue nor depression triggers the other but that the two disorders are risk factors for each other. The symptoms of chronic fatigue and depression are so similar and the two disorders are so closely linked that the exact connection between them may never be defined.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-chronic-fatigue-and-depression.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.