Fatigue and chronic fatigue in the elderly: definitions, diagnoses, and treatments.

Because fatigue is so prevalent in the elderly population, it is important that physicians be well versed in the evaluation and management of this complaint. This article discusses the clinical manifestations and predisposing factors for the three major categories of fatigue: recent, prolonged, and chronic. The CDC classification of chronic fatigue syndrome is included. Patient dissatisfaction with the care for their fatigue is a common problem. Several pharmaceutical treatment methods are presented. Non-pharmacologic options, such as use of vitamins, exercise, behavior modification,and diet are also discussed.