Symptoms will usually come and go over a period of time. Generally, there is very slow improvement over months or years.

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. There is no one test to identify CFS. Medical disorders that could be causing the fatigue and symptoms will be ruled out first.

The guidelines used to define cases are:
-Persistence of relapsing fatigue that does not resolve with bed rest, and is severe enough to reduce average daily activity by at least 50% for at least 6 months.
-Other chronic clinical conditions have been satisfactorily excluded, including preexisting psychiatric disease.
-Steps in therapy may include a combination of lifestyle changes, starting a gradual exercise program, counseling, behavior therapy, and drug therapy.
-Lifestyle changes may include finding ways to cut back on work or other activities. This may help reduce physical and emotional stress. Stop smoking (find a way to quit that works for you).
-Counseling and/or behavior therapy may be helpful for coping with the emotional aspects of the disorder and learning how to reduce stress.
Medications
-There is no specific drug to treat CFS. Drugs may be prescribed for depression, pain, low blood pressure, allergy-like symptoms, or other specific symptoms.
-Other drugs are being studied and may prove to be helpful in treatment. Talk to your health care provider before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements

Strenuous exercise should be avoided. Some exercise, however, is important. Begin a gradual program that may be just 3 to 5 minutes a day to start with. Increase the activity by about 20% about every 2 to 3 weeks. Setbacks will occur, so don't be discouraged.Get enough sleep at night. Limit daytime napping