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Chronic fatigue syndrome and co-morbid and consequent conditions: evidence from a multi-site clinical epidemiology study
Lucinda Bateman, Salima Darakjy, Nancy Klimas, Daniel Peterson, Susan M. Levine,Ali Allen, Shane A. Carlson, Elizabeth Balbin, Gunnar Gottschalk and Dana March
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21641846.2014.978109#.VISPUeF87CK
Lucinda Bateman, Salima Darakjy, Nancy Klimas, Daniel Peterson, Susan M. Levine,Ali Allen, Shane A. Carlson, Elizabeth Balbin, Gunnar Gottschalk and Dana March
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21641846.2014.978109#.VISPUeF87CK
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.