Chronic fatigue

Last updated: Tuesday, 27, July, 2010
Key Information Appropriate Tests

Fatigue is defined as 'pathological' when it lasts more than 6 months and interferes with daily activities.
If no cause can be defined, after appropriate investigation, the condition may be labelled chronic fatigue syndrome.

Investigation should be directed by the findings on history and physical examination, to exclude underlying disease, including FBC, TSH, CRP electrolytes, LFTs, creatinine.

There are no diagnostic tests for the chronic fatigue syndrome.

You may wish to review the case scenario titled 'There must be something wrong' at:
www.pathologists.med.usyd.edu.au/.