Chronic fatigue syndrome: is it real?

Stigma, Work, and “Unseen” Illness: A Case and Notes to Enhance Understanding

Phenomenological research into life and work for people with invisible chronic illness has revealed many examples of stigmatization. In trying to make sense of one particular case, the available literature on stigma is helpful yet unsatisfying, especially when considering life and work for those with unseen illness. The article presents a review of the stigma literature followed by the presentation of a taxonomy of potential determinants and detriments of stigma for those with invisible chronic illness. It would seem that stigmatization is influenced by numerous issues: knowledge of the diagnosis, moral judgments, and incorrect knowledge held about the disease as distinct from an absence of or incomplete knowledge. The proposed taxonomy is suggested to have been helpful in explaining one person's poignant comments and is advocated for use in the analysis and interpretation of future stories of those with invisible illness.

Deconstructing the gender neutrality of chronic illness and disability

Although a great deal has been written in the fields of women's health and disability/chronic illness, there is surprisingly little cross-fertilization. The dominant narrative within society orients us toward a view of chronic illness and disability that is gender neutral and devoid of social context. Examination of the ways in which chronic illness and disability are differently experienced by men and women creates a foundation upon which the implications of the dominant narrative can be explored. In this analysis, the authors find clinical, sociopolitical, and theoretical implications that derive from the traditional reluctance to consider the intersection of these fields of study. They conclude with recommendations for broadening our vision, correcting the omissions within our knowledge, and rethinking our part in contributing to inequities within society.

The chronically fatigued patient

This article illustrates that the diagnostic evaluation as well as the management of the patient presenting with chronic fatigue can be done in an orderly manner. If a medical illness is the cause of the patient's fatigue, this is usually evident on initial presentation. A thorough history and complete physical examination, in conjunction with some screening laboratory tests, can rule out most medical causes of fatigue, and any remaining cases declare themselves over the next several visits. If a medical cause is not evident, a further "fishing expedition" is fruitless. Psychiatric illness, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, accounts for another significant proportion of cases of chronic fatigue. As with medical illness, psychiatric illness should be suspected based on history and is not a diagnosis of exclusion. Some patients presenting with chronic fatigue have a history and symptom pattern consistent with the diagnosis of CFS. The cause of this syndrome is controversial and is still unknown. The clinician, however, can offer the patient care in an environment that is respectful of their physical and psychological discomfort and can provide significant symptomatic improvement to the patient. Lastly, some patients with fatigue do not fit any diagnostic category, including CFS. As with many other common complaints, such as headaches or abdominal pain, although a diagnosis may not be given to the patient, the clinician can do a lot to reassure the patient and assist the patient in living with his or her symptoms. As Solberg eloquently wrote: "[E]valuation of the fatigued patient requires all of a physician's best attributes--a broad view of disease, psychosocial sensitivity, and a good ongoing relationship with the patient."

Chronic fatigue: risk factors for symptom persistence in a 2 1/2-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The prolonged disability of patients suffering from chronic fatigue may be due to sustaining factors that are independent of the cause and subject to intervention. This study reexamined a cohort of patients with chronic fatigue to define medical and psychiatric predictors of persistent symptoms.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with chronic fatigue present for 6 months or more (not required to meet the Centers for Disease Control case definition for chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS]) completed a self-report, follow-up questionnaire to measure the overall improvement or worsening of their condition at a mean of 2.5 years after their initial examination. At the time of initial evaluation, patients underwent a structured psychiatric examination, physical examination, laboratory studies, and self-report measures of psychological distress and functional disability. The psychiatric examination queried the patient about 28 somatic symptoms that are separate from those associated with CFS. Discriminant analysis was used to determine which variables present at the initial examination were significant predictors of persistent symptoms and disability at 2.5 years.

RESULTS

The factors most important at the time of initial presentation in predicting persistent illness were: (1) more than eight medically unexplained physical symptoms separate from those associated with CFS case definition; (2) lifetime history of dysthymia; (3) duration of chronic fatigue symptoms greater than 1.5 years; (4) less than 16 years of formal education; and (5) age older than 38 years. None of the results of the initial physical examination, or immunologic, general laboratory, or viral antibody measurements were significant in predicting persistence of symptoms. Recovery rates for those who met the criteria for CFS by either of two case definitions were lower than the rate of noncases, but the differences were not statistically significant. The five aforementioned variables formed a significant discriminative function, correctly classifying 78% of those who recovered and 74% of those with persistent symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

At initial examination, patients with chronic fatigue, more than eight medically unexplained physical symptoms (excluding symptoms in the case criteria for CFS), a lifetime history of dysthymic disorder, longer than 1.5 years of chronic fatigue, less than 16 years of formal education, and who were older than 38 years were the most likely to have persistence of symptoms of chronic fatigue at the 2.5-year follow-up.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a review and practical guide

Diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a difficult challenge for nurse practitioners. The syndrome is widespread, poorly-defined, and problematic. Despite extensive etiologic research, no cause has been identified. Each case should be carefully evaluated for possible organic, psychiatric, and other factors reported as potential causes. Clinical manifestations, possible causes, and options for management are reviewed.

Frustrated by Chronic Fatigue?

In brief When active patients relate brief chronic fatigue, three basic questions must be answered: Is there an underlying medical or psychiatric disorder? Could the fatigue be from overtraining or a sleep disturbance? Does the patient have chronic fatigue syndrome or the far more common idiopathic chronic fatigue? Answers may come from sensitive history-taking and targeted physical and laboratory exams. And the patient must play an active role in treatment, which includes reassurance, stress relief, and regular exercise.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a conundrum

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a multi-faceted disorder for which no etiology has been determined. This paper discusses the implications of the new clinical case definition of CFS on previous and future studies of this illness. The authors' own management approach is also discussed.