title: Fatigue--a rational approach to investigation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fatigue is a common reason for presentation to the general practitioner. There is a wide range of possible diagnoses, some potentially serious, but somatic pathology is uncommon. Presentations of fatigue lead to high rates of test ordering, but abnormal results leading to significant diagnoses are uncommon. A number of guidelines for the assessment and investigation of fatigue have been developed, including in Australia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this article is to outline a rational approach to the investigation of fatigue, informed by the international literature and recently published Australian guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On the basis of current literature, we recommend the following practical approach to the patient presenting with fatigue: a comprehensive history and examination, consideration of a period of watchful waiting in the absence of red flags and judicious use of tests once the decision to investigate is made.
authors.affiliation: BSc (Hons), MBBS, Dip Child Health, FRACGP, Previously GP registrar at General Practice Training Valley to Coast, currently working as a GP in Berry, NSW.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Parker J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Magin
authors.forename: Mieke L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: van Driel
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019468:Disease Management; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans