Assessment and treatment of HIV-related fatigue

Fatigue, a common presenting complaint in primary care, is described as a lack of energy, sleepiness, tiredness, exhaustion, an inability to get enough rest, or weakness. Thus, fatigue affects quality of life. The prevalence rate of fatigue among patients with HIV infection is estimated to be 20% to 60%, and as the disease worsens, fatigue may become even more prevalent. The causes of HIV-related fatigue may be multifactorial and may include lack of rest or exercise, or improper or inadequate diet; psychological stress including depression and anxiety; the use of recreational substances; anemia; abnormalities of the thyroid gland and hypogonadism; infections; side effects of medications; sleep disturbances; and fever. This article reviews the common causes of HIV-related fatigue and briefly discusses options for reducing fatigue.