People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience ongoing, debilitating fatigue. In one study, cortisol levels in the saliva during the first hour after waking were measured and compared between CFS patients and people without CFS (controls). The data is summarised in the graph. What can you infer from the data?
A) A disruption to thyroid hormone production likely results in decreased cortisol in the saliva.
B) Cortisol is lower in CFS patients because they were just woken up.
C) The normal elevation in adrenocorticotropic hormone level in waking people is reduced in CFS patients.
D) CFS patients are generally more relaxed as demonstrated by their decreased stress response.

Question

People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience ongoing, debilitating fatigue. In one study, cortisol levels in the saliva during the first hour after waking were measured and compared between CFS patients and people without CFS (controls). The data is summarised in the graph. What can you infer from the data?
A) A disruption to thyroid hormone production likely results in decreased cortisol in the saliva. 
B) Cortisol is lower in CFS patients because they were just woken up. 
C) The normal elevation in adrenocorticotropic hormone level in waking people is reduced in CFS patients. 
D) CFS patients are generally more relaxed as demonstrated by their decreased stress response.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The graph shows that the cortisol levels in the saliva during the first hour after waking are lower in CFS patients compared to the controls. This suggests that the normal elevation in adrenocorticotropic hormone level, which stimulates cortisol production, is reduced in CFS patients. Therefore, choice C is the best answer. Choices A, B, and D are not supported by the data presented in the graph.

People Who Suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Experience Ongoing