Chronic Fatigue

Yes, many practitioners offer telehealth, which can help when travelling to appointments is tiring. Follow-up GP visits, psychology sessions and some dietitian and occupational therapy appointments often work well by video or phone. You can browse practitioners on this page and check whether each one offers telehealth.

Yes, a GP can diagnose ME/CFS. There is no single test for it, so the diagnosis is based on your symptoms over time, especially fatigue that gets worse after activity, and on ruling out other causes with an examination and blood tests. Your GP may refer you to a specialist if the picture is unclear.

You do not need a referral to see a GP, and a GP is a good place to start. To claim a Medicare rebate for a specialist, such as a physician, you need a GP referral. You can see allied health practitioners without a referral, but a GP chronic condition management plan may give you some Medicare-subsidised visits.

If you suspect you have chronic fatigue, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage the condition more effectively and improve your quality of life. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail, including their duration and impact on your daily activities.

The exact cause of chronic fatigue is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including viral infections, immune system abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and stress. In many cases, the onset of chronic fatigue follows an illness, injury, or period of significant stress.

Common symptoms of chronic fatigue include extreme tiredness, unrefreshing sleep, difficulty concentrating (often called "brain fog"), muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, and sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms can fluctuate in severity and may worsen after physical or mental exertion, a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).