What Is Mistaken for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, anemia, autoimmune conditions, mold or toxin exposure, and certain nutrient deficiencies (like B12 or iron) can all produce persistent fatigue that looks similar on the surface. Depression and anxiety can also present with significant fatigue, and often coexist alongside a physical driver rather than instead of one.

This is exactly why a differential workup, testing broadly across these systems before settling on a diagnosis, matters more than treating the fatigue label itself.