New findings from a U.S. study debunk the idea that chronic fatigue rests on self-hypnosis
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke researchers in the United States have challenged the notion that chronic fatigue is caused by self-hypnosis. The study results were published in Nature Communications and offer a clearer picture of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition marked by persistent tiredness, reduced performance, and diminished motivation.
Over more than five years, the research team carried out several investigations, comparing 17 individuals with chronic fatigue to a control group of healthy participants matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by ongoing exhaustion, impaired endurance, and a sense of heaviness that interferes with daily activities.
One key experiment asked all participants to hold a device while researchers monitored how the brain responded to a progressive buildup of physical fatigue. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced activity in the temporoparietal region, a brain area involved in processing exertion, among those with CFS. This finding suggests that the condition involves measurable changes in brain function rather than a purely psychological state.
In addition, researchers compared cerebrospinal fluid samples from the study and control groups. Cerebrospinal fluid circulates within the brain’s ventricles and surrounding spaces. The analysis showed that individuals with chronic fatigue had a lower count of memory B cells in their cerebrospinal fluid. Memory B cells play a role in recognizing familiar bacteria or viruses and helping coordinate the immune response.
The team also noted that, at present, no drugs are specifically approved to treat CFS. Management focuses on improving overall well-being through lifestyle adjustments and symptom-directed therapies. Even though pharmacological options are limited, many patients benefit from strategies that support energy management, sleep hygiene, gentle activity pacing, and individualized symptom relief. (Nature Communications attribution; findings summarized from a multi-year, controlled investigation.)
Additional observations underscore the importance of ongoing research. While CFS remains a complex condition, these insights point toward biological underpinnings that can guide future therapies and better patient care. The research highlights the value of combining neuroimaging, immune profiling, and careful clinical assessment to understand chronic fatigue more fully.