Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome as recognized by GPs.
BACKGROUND
Prevalence studies on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are rare. Because of the similarity in symptoms, the prevalence of Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome (PFS) was investigated at the same time.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of CFS and PFS as recognized by GPs in The Netherlands and to inform them of the existence of CFS.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire was sent to all GPs.


RESULTS
The questionnaire was returned by 60% of the GPs. Seventy-three per cent reported one or more CFS patients and 83% one or more PFS patients in their practice.


CONCLUSIONS
The estimated prevalence of CFS as recognized by GPs of 112 (PFS 157) patients per 100,000 is a minimum estimate.
Bazelmans
E
E
University Hospital Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology, The Netherlands.
Vercoulen
J H
JH
Swanink
C M
CM
Fennis
J F
JF
Galama
J M
JM
van Weel
C
C
van der Meer
J W
JW
Bleijenberg
G
G
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires