CFS and Co-morbidities
Chronic fatigue syndrome and co-morbid and consequent conditions: evidence from a multi-site clinical epidemiology study
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21641846.2014.978109#.VISR68lsjw2
Abstract
Background:
Epidemiologic data that inform our understanding of the type,
frequency, and burden of co-morbidities with chronic fatigue syndrome is
limited. Purpose: To elucidate co-morbid and consequent conditions, using data from a clinical epidemiology study of long-term CFS patients. Methods:
Some 960 adults with CFS were identified at four sites specializing in
the diagnosis and treatment of CFS. Patients reported their
demographics, CFS course, other medical diagnoses, and current
functioning. We determined associations between: co-morbidities and a
patient's current health relative to their health when diagnosed with
CFS; CFS symptom severity at onset and subsequent diagnosis with a
co-morbid condition; and presence of a co-morbidity and functional
ability. We also modeled the change in CFS symptom severity over time as
it relates to the presence of a co-morbidity. Results: Of the
sample, 84% was diagnosed with one or more co-morbid conditions after
CFS onset. Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and hypothyroidism were
the most common diagnoses. Nearly 60% of the sample reported a mental
illness. Conclusions: In general, co-morbid conditions reduced
functional ability and were associated with the worsening of CFS
symptoms over time. This study provides important new information on the
prevalence of co-morbid conditions and their impact on the course of
CFS.
