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The Invisible Burden of Chronic Fatigue in the Community: a Narrative Review

  • Chronic Pain (R Staud, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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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.

Summary

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.

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Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the Mason Foundation (National Medical Program: MAS2017F033).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Behaviour, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Level 1 30 Botany Street, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Scott J. Fatt, Erin Cvejic, Ute Vollmer-Conna & Jessica Elise Beilharz

  2. School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia

    Erin Cvejic

  3. Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia

    Andrew R. Lloyd

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  1. Scott J. Fatt
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Fatt, S.J., Cvejic, E., Lloyd, A.R. et al. The Invisible Burden of Chronic Fatigue in the Community: a Narrative Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 21, 5 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-019-0804-2

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