Author(s)

David Jameson

Independent Researcher, Ladysmith, Canada.

There is no agreement on the etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and the main theories (behavioural and viral/immune) do not satisfactorily explain the condition. A growing body of evidence suggests that CFS may be caused by a dysfunction of the stress system—and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in particular—as a result of chronic stress. CFS shares many similarities to occupational burnout, including similar symptoms, physiological abnormalities and triggers. After a brief review of the science of stress, burnout, central fatigue and CFS, I propose a model of CFS based on a state of persistent burnout that remains after the initial stressors have been removed. This persistence may be due to a combination of a dysregulation of the HPA axis, and behavioural factors. A novel treatment approach based on self-efficacy and positive goals is proposed.

CFS, Burnout, Fatigue, HPA Axis

Jameson, D. (2016) Persistent Burnout Theory of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Neuroscience and Medicine, 7, 66-73. doi: 10.4236/nm.2016.72008.