Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A Moral Exploration of Illness and Accountability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55016/ojs/muj.v3i1.79259Keywords:
Chronic fatigue syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Post-viral fatigue syndrome, Post-exertional malaise, Long COVID, Psychosomatic illness, Functional somatic syndromes, Neurological disorders, Immune dysfunction, Psychogenic explanations of illness, Health CommunicationsAbstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and often debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue accompanied by a variety of additional symptoms that often include muscle pain, cognitive impairment, and post-exertional malaise. Despite affecting millions worldwide, CFS remains poorly understood and frequently stigmatized. This paper explores historical and contemporary social perceptions of CFS, framing them within broader discussions of health, morality, and personal responsibility. By drawing on parallels to conditions like neurasthenia and hysteria, this research examines how societal values—particularly those shaped by the Protestant ethic and eugenics—have influenced perceptions of illness and morality. It highlights how attributing unverifiable illnesses to personal responsibility affects societal attitudes toward those with CFS. Additionally, this paper explores the gendered dimensions of CFS, historically linked to women yet increasingly recognized in men. Recent developments, including the condition’s overlap with long COVID-19, emphasize the ongoing need for research and improved treatment strategies.
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