title: Investigation of suspected chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic fatigue is a frequently occurring problem in both the primary and specialist health services. The Department of Neurology at Haukeland University Hospital has established a standard assessment for patients referred with suspected CFS/ME. This study reports diagnoses and findings upon assessment, and considers the benefit of supplementary examinations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diagnoses and findings from examinations of 365 patients assessed for suspected CFS/ME are retrospectively reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 48 patients (13.2%) were diagnosed with CFS/ME, while a further 18 patients (4.9%) were diagnosed with post-infectious fatigue. Mental and behavioural disorders were diagnosed in 169 patients (46.3%), and these represented by far the largest group. Serious, but unrecognised somatic illness was discovered in two patients, while changes of uncertain significance were identified by MRI and lumbar puncture in a few patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fatigue is a frequently occurring symptom in the population. Thorough somatic and psychiatric investigation is necessary before referral to the specialist health services. Mental disorders and reactions to life crises are common and important differential diagnoses for CFS/ME. Long waiting times in the specialist health services may result in delayed diagnosis for these patients.
authors: Nevrologisk avdeling Haukeland universitetssykehus.
authors: Jone Furlund
authors: JF
authors: Owe
authors: Nevrologisk avdeling Haukeland universitetssykehus og Universitet i Bergen.
authors: Halvor
authors: H
authors: Næss
authors: Nevrologisk avdeling Haukeland universitetssykehus.
authors: Ivar Otto
authors: IO
authors: Gjerde
authors: Klinikk for psykosomatisk medisin, Haukeland universitetssykehus.
authors: Jørn Eilert
authors: JE
authors: Bødtker
authors: Nevrologisk avdeling Haukeland universitetssykehus og Universitet i Bergen.
authors: Ole-Bjørn
authors: OB
authors: Tysnes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D057566:Self Report