Chronic fatigue syndrome patients report they are more anxious and distressed than people who don’t have the condition, and they are also more likely to suppress those emotions. In addition, when under stress, they show greater activation of the biological ”fight or flight” mechanism, which may add to their fatigue, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

“We hope that this research will contribute to a greater understanding of the needs of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, some of whom may tend not to communicate their experiences of symptoms or stress to other people,” said the study’s lead author, Katharine Rimes, PhD, of King’s College London. “Others may be unaware of the difficulties experienced by chronic fatigue syndrome patients and therefore not provide appropriate support.”