Chronic fatigue syndrome Flashcards
Define chronic fatigue syndrome?
Long-term, multisystem condition that is characterised by large reduction in ability to to engage in pre-illness levels of personal, occupational, educational, physical activities due to extreme fatigue
Give 4 examples of aspects of an individual’s life that are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome?
Personal, occupational, educational, physical
What is the worldwide prevalence percentage of chronic fatigue syndrome?
0.5-2.5%
What is the normal age onset range of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Most common in ages 40-60 but can affect all ages
What is the most common and characteristic symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic mental and physical fatigue that is worsened by minimal exertion
Does chronic fatigue syndrome affect an individual’s concentration?
Yes, individual with CFS presents with poor concentration
Does chronic fatigue syndrome affect an individual’s memory?
Yes, individual with CFS presents with impaired registration of memory
Give 2 examples of conditions that can arise from sleep patterns altered by CFS?
Sleep pattern alteration can cause:
Insomnia (difficulty falling/staying asleep)
Hypersomnia (inability to stay awake/alert during day despite having sufficient nighttime sleep)
In CFS, what are the results of lab tests and physical examinations?
Lab tests and physical examinations are normal, even though patient presents with muscular pain
In CFS, is joint pain inflammatory or noninflammatory?
Patient presents with noninflammatory joint pain
What 3 types of investigations can be done when individual with CFS presents with muscular pain, and what are the results?
Muscle biopsy, physical examination, electromyography are normal
What proportion of individuals with CFS are affected by mood disorders, and what are the 3 classes?
Minority of individuals have mood disorders that are either:
primary (CFS misdiagnosis)
secondary
independent co-morbidities
How is a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome confirmed, and give 4 examples of differential diagnoses?
Diagnosis is made by presenting clinical features and excluding other fatiguing disorders (investigation guided by differential diagnosis)
Differentials include CKD, malignancy, anaemia, depression)
Explain the 2 main rehabilitative therapies used for management of CFS?
Cognitive behaviour therapy, which challenges unhelpful beliefs and changing coping strategies
Graded exercise therapy for 3 months to reduce inactivity and improve fitness
What drug class is used to treat CFS, and what 3 factors of CFS does this drug treat?
Antidepressants used for mood disorders, chronic pain relief and sleep disturbance
