Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has always been believed to be a complicated psychological disorder by members of the medical community. However, in a finding that could change how CFS is currently being treated by physicians, new research has identified immune changes in patients suffering from the disorder, proving that it could actually be more of a biological illness.

To date, no firm diagnostic criteria exist for CFS. The disorder is particularly characterized by a physical and mental feeling of exhaustion that refuses to go away even after complete bed rest. CFS patients initially complain of a sense of fatigue, forcing them to put in more effort and exertion to perform even their daily routine tasks. In extreme cases, people suffering from CFS can become totally bedridden and lose their ability to perform the simplest of tasks, such as eating or dressing.

In the new research published in Science Advances, scientists have identified key differences in the immune systems of those suffering from CFS, including recently diagnosed patients as well as those having the condition for many years.

Researchers at the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health identified a group of molecules, particularly the cytokine molecule, which they found to be in much higher quantities in CFS patients. These molecules play a role in the body's immune response to infections and cytokine has also been linked earlier to fatigue caused by the Epstein Barr Virus.

"We now have evidence confirming what millions of people with this disease already know, that ME/CFS isn't psychological," states lead author Mady Hornig, MD, director of translational research at the Center for Infection and Immunity and associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia's Mailman School. "Our results should accelerate the process of establishing the diagnosis after individuals first fall ill, as well as discovery of new treatment strategies focusing on these early blood markers."