Chronic Fatigue

Question 1

Fatigue definition

Answer 1

Diminished energy and an increased need to rest, disproportionate to any recent change in activity level

Question 2

Fatigue vs tiredness

Answer 2

Tiredness results from overexertion that can be improved with rest

Pathological fatigue is not related to exertion level and cannot be remediated with rest

Question 3

Characteristics of chronic fatigue

Answer 3

Intensity
Frequency
Chronicity
Daily pattern

Question 4

Dimensions of chronic fatigue

Answer 4

Cognitive
Emotional
Physical
Functional

Question 5

Impact of chronic fatigue

Answer 5

Distress/bother 
Interference with occupational and role performance 
Impact on functioning 
Mood 
Cognition

Question 6

How many ways are there to measure fatigue?

Answer 6

252 ways!

Question 7

Multidimensional measurement

Answer 7

Measure multiple characteristics or dimensions separately then develop a ‘global’ fatigue score

Question 8

Unidimensional measures

Answer 8

Focus on one characteristic or dimension

Question 9

Unidimensional Fatigue example

Answer 9

Visual analogue scale (describe your fatigue on a scale of 0-10 where 0=no fatigue and 10=worst fatigue you could imagine)

Distress thermometer

Question 10

Fatigue interventions

Answer 10

Activity/exercise 
Energy conservation/pacing 
Psychosocial strategies 
Sleep techniques 
Improving nutrition 
Education

Question 11

Energy conservation

Answer 11

Deliberately planned management of energy reserves to prevent their depletion

Question 12

Energy conservation principles

Answer 12

Prioritising: Set priorities and realistic expectations
Pacing: Don’t do activity at one go, allow rest breaks
Modifying: Do the activity differently to reduce energy required
Eliminating tasks
Delegating
Planning: Postpone non essential activities, daily routine, schedule activities at peak energy times, plan rest breaks

Question 13

Psychosocial interventions

Answer 13

CBT
Mindfulness-based stress reduction
Supportive expression therapy