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Panic disorder among patients with chronic fatigue.
P Manu1, D A Matthews, T J Lane
1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Panic disorder is diagnosed in 13% of adults with chronic fatigue, a rate ten times higher than in the general population. This treatable condition significantly contributes to chronic fatigue, depression, and unexplained physical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Chronic fatigue is a common chief complaint in internal medicine practices.
- The etiological factors and comorbidities associated with chronic fatigue require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of panic disorder in adults presenting with chronic fatigue.
- To explore the relationship between panic disorder, chronic fatigue, depression, and somatization.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 200 adult patients with chronic fatigue was evaluated in an internal medicine setting.
- Diagnostic interviews and medical history reviews were conducted to identify panic disorder and other conditions.
Main Results:
- Panic disorder was diagnosed in 26 patients (13%), a tenfold increase compared to the general population.
- In 21 patients, panic disorder preceded or coincided with the onset of chronic fatigue.
- Patients with panic disorder had higher rates of severe depression, suicidal ideation, and unexplained physical symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Treatable panic disorder is a significant contributor to the etiology and presentation of chronic fatigue.
- Panic disorder is associated with major depression and somatization in patients with chronic fatigue.
- Screening for panic disorder is recommended for patients presenting with chronic fatigue in outpatient settings.