ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at a few vignettes describing the initial experiences of individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Their CFS/ME may have gradually developed over a few years, as they experienced more and more of these stressful events. The chapter presents the case of Vincent. In Vincent's case, it would seem that his CFS/ME may have been triggered by a combination of a viral infection, working hard whilst he was ill, and perhaps the stress of fulfilling the obligations of the new contract for his business. Vincent seems to have set some very high standards for himself. There is a hint that Vincent might be a perfectionist—what with his drive to always produce the highest quality work and always finish before the deadline. A vulnerability factor refers to characteristics that may have helped to shape an individual's response to a critical incident. A vulnerability factor can be internal, or external.
