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Chronic fatigue syndrome in childhood: seven-year follow-up study

West Berkshire Priority Care Services NHS Trust, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3 Craven Road, Reading RG1 5LF

See editorial pp. 193–194 and 203–206, this issue.

^* Correspondence

This study explores the outcome and longer-term sequelae of suffering chronic fatigue syndrome in childhood. Ten such children, ranging from 10 to 16 years of age at diagnosis, were followed up into adulthood, an average of seven years. Most were completely well or markedly improved (seven of nine). Only children fully engaged in therapy made a total recovery. However, respondents felt medical staff did not believe their symptoms and that rehabilitative strategies were unhelpful. No physical or mental illness was subsequently diagnosed to account for the original symptom presentation. Childhood sufferers maintained the same pattern of symptoms as adults. Depressive symptomatology was present in two cases. The overall longer-term prognosis for children suffering chronic fatigue syndrome is good. A successful doctor-patient relationship is essential to improve compliance with management plans.

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				B. Wright, I. Partridge, and C. Williams Management of chronic fatigue syndrome in children Advan. Psychiatr. Treat., March 1, 2000; 6(2): 145 - 152. [Full Text]

				J. Richards Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Review Article Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, January 1, 2000; 5(1): 31 - 51. [Abstract] [PDF]