Symptoms can last from several months to as long as a few years. They are usually most severe during the first year of the illness. They may come and go, but do not worsen over time. If you have symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome that are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, you should see a doctor. In most cases, diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome involves ruling out other illnesses that could be causing the symptoms.
Further treatment depends on what diagnosis the doctor makes.