Scott J Fatt1, Erin Cvejic2,3, Andrew R Lloyd4, Ute Vollmer-Conna2, Jessica Elise Beilharz5. 1. Department of Human Behaviour, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Level 1 30 Botany Street, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. s.fatt@unsw.edu.au. 2. Department of Human Behaviour, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Level 1 30 Botany Street, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. 3. School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia. 4. Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia. 5. Department of Human Behaviour, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Level 1 30 Botany Street, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. j.beilharz@unsw.edu.au.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Unexplained fatigue is commonly reported in the general population, with varying severity. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sits at the extreme of the fatigue continuum, yet more individuals experience unexplained prolonged fatigue (1-6-month duration) or chronic fatigue (> 6 months) that, although debilitating, does not fulfil ME/CFS criteria. This review examines the empirical literature comparing symptoms for those with prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. RECENT FINDINGS: Substantial overlap of self-reported psychological, physical and functional impairments exists between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. The conversion rate from prolonged or chronic fatigue to ME/CFS is not understood. Current research has failed to uncover factors accounting for differences in fatigue trajectories, nor incorporate comprehensive, longitudinal assessments extending beyond self-reported symptoms. Distinguishing factors between prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS remain poorly understood, highlighting a need for longitudinal studies integrating biopsychosocial approaches to inform early management and targeted rehabilitation strategies.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Unexplained fatigue is commonly reported in the general population, with varying severity. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sits at the extreme of the fatigue continuum, yet more individuals experience unexplained prolonged fatigue (1-6-month duration) or chronic fatigue (> 6 months) that, although debilitating, does not fulfil ME/CFS criteria. This review examines the empirical literature comparing symptoms for those with prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. RECENT FINDINGS: Substantial overlap of self-reported psychological, physical and functional impairments exists between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. The conversion rate from prolonged or chronic fatigue to ME/CFS is not understood. Current research has failed to uncover factors accounting for differences in fatigue trajectories, nor incorporate comprehensive, longitudinal assessments extending beyond self-reported symptoms. Distinguishing factors between prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS remain poorly understood, highlighting a need for longitudinal studies integrating biopsychosocial approaches to inform early management and targeted rehabilitation strategies.
Authors: Ramon Sabes-Figuera; Paul McCrone; Mike Hurley; Michael King; Ana Nora Donaldson; Leone Ridsdale Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2010-03-04 Impact factor: 2.655
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