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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome as recognized by GPs
E Bazelmans1, J H Vercoulen, C M Swanink
1University Hospital Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology, The Netherlands.
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.
Objectives:
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.
Conclusion:
The estimated prevalence of CFS as recognized by GPs of 112 (PFS 157) patients per 100,000 is a minimum estimate.