Burnout Symptoms

Common Symptoms reported by people with CFS/ME/Burnout

Below you will find more information on the common symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME, & Burnout. For a more overall summary, see our CFS Symptoms Summary page.

  • Depression

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex disorder exhibiting extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. This fatigue may significantly interfere with everyday activities…

  • Confusion

    A symptom of Adrenal Fatigue/CFS/ME can be cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as ‘brain fog’ or, quite simply, confusion. Confusion in CFS is not just mere forgetfulness. It is a…

  • Low-grade fever

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex, long-term illness that impacts multiple systems in the body. Characterised by extreme fatigue, CFS has a broad range of possible symptoms. One common…

  • Mood Swings

    Notably, one of the lesser-known symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is mood swings, which can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. Understanding…

  • Forgetfulness

    Burnout (or CFS/ME) is a medical condition exhibiting extreme fatigue, body aches, and various cognitive problems, including forgetfulness. What is Forgetfulness? Forgetfulness, in the context of CFS, refers to the…

  • Insomnia

    One of the common symptoms associated with CFS is insomnia, a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake…

  • Inability to concentrate

    One of the most debilitating symptoms associated with CFS is cognitive impairment, often referred to as ‘brain fog’ by those who experience it. This encompasses a variety of cognitive problems…

  • Irritability

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness marked by extreme tiredness or chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and has no identifiable underlying medical condition. One of the…

  • Shortness of Breath

    Shortness of Breath in CFS Shortness of breath, medically referred to as dyspnea, is a less common but significant symptom often present in some individuals with CFS. This refers to…

  • Irregular Heartbeats or Palpitations

    One of the symptoms of CFS/ME/Burnout could be irregular heartbeats or palpitations, although it’s not intrinsic to the condition. Understanding Irregular Heartbeats or Palpitations Heart palpitations are sensations that feel…

  • Irregular Body Temperature Regulation

    One common symptom reported by people living with CFS is irregular body temperature regulation, often leading to sensations of feeling hot or cold without an apparent reason. The Connection This…

  • Allergies and Sensitivities

    People with CFS are often found to have allergies or sensitivities that can exacerbate their symptoms. These can range from food allergies and sensitivities, to chemical sensitivities and environmental allergies…

  • Gastrointestinal Issues

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) are debilitating conditions marked by extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms. Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are often reported as one of…

  • Sensitivity to Sound or Smell

    CFS is known for primary symptoms like extreme fatigue and weakness. However, one less known but critical symptom is heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sound or smell. This…

  • Sensitivity to Light

    Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), is a symptom which is reported by sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Photophobia in CFS Photophobia is not an eye…

  • Dizziness and Balance Problems

    Along with the fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or ME) debilitating fatigue, one of the common symptoms many people with CFS experience is dizziness and balance problems. Understanding Dizziness and…

  • Tender Lymph Nodes

    One of the symptoms people with CFS/ME may experience is tender lymph nodes in their neck or armpits. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that serve as part of the…

  • Sore Throat

    One of the several symptoms associated with CFS is a persistent or reoccurring sore throat. In fact, according to many research studies, a significant proportion of patients with CFS report…

  • Headaches

    Along with the fatigue of CFS/ME, people often experience symptoms such as muscle or joint pain, sore throat, sleep problems and more notably, headaches. Headache: A Common Symptom Headaches are…

  • Joint Pain

    CFS, ME, Adrenal fatigue, or Burnout symptoms often include a range of neurological, immunological, and endocrine symptoms. One of the common symptoms includes joint pain. What is Joint Pain? Joint…

  • Muscle Pain

    Muscle pain tends to go hand in hand with exertion. It is reported by many CFS/ME sufferers. Understanding Muscle Pain in CFS Muscle pain, also referred to as myalgia, in…

  • Cognitive Impairments

    A key noticeable aspect of CFS/ME is cognitive impairment. This is not just typical forgetfulness or confusion associated with normal fatigue, but consistent, disabling cognitive issues that impact the quality…

  • Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)

    Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) is a significant and debilitating symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). PEM is characterized by a worsening of symptoms after physical,…

  • Unrefreshing Sleep

    Unrefreshing sleep is a primary symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or…

  • Persistent Fatigue

    Persistent fatigue in CFS isn’t ordinary tiredness. Instead, it’s a comprehensive exhaustion that can’t be alleviated by rest or sleep and substantially hampers everyday activity and functionality. This fatigue lasts…