Longitudinal study of outcome of chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract

Objective-To examine the predictors of long term outcome for patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome.Design-Cohort study. Subjects-139 subjects previously enrolled in two treatment trials; 103 (74%) were reassessed a mean of3-2 years after start ofthe trials.Setting-University hospital referral centre. Main outcome measures-Age at onset, duration ofillness, psychological and immunological status at initial assessment. Ongoing symptom severity, levels of disability, and immunological function at follow up.

Long-term predictors of outcome in fatigued employees on sick leave: a 4-year follow-up study

“…However, causal attributions were not related to CFS-like caseness in this sample, in contrast to several previous studies examining the role of illness attributions in diagnosed CFS patients (Wilson et al 1994 ;Cope et al 1996 ;Vercoulen et al 1996;Van der Werf et al 2002).…”

Costs, correlates and consequences of fatigue in children and adults

“…Three of the significant predictions were consistent with studies of CFS in secondary care (Sharpe et al 1992 ;Wilson et al 1994 ;Clark et al 1995;Chalder et al 1996 ;Vercoulen et al 1996). The novel finding was the lack of memory of a previous emotional reason for attending their GP.…”

"I could not lift my arm holding the fork..": Living with chronic fatigue syndrome

“…It is characterised by recurrent bodily symptoms, mood alteration and complaints of cognitive dysfunction. Even though most patients improve after a while, a considerable proportion are stuck with the symptoms on a permanent basis (4). Diagnosis is established by the criteria listed in Table I (5).…”