[Chronic fatigue syndrome and psychiatric diseases]

The chronic fatigue syndrome consists of a combination of non-specific symptoms. Some believe that the CFS is subcategory of major depression, because the symptoms are similar to those of major depression. We believe that the CFS is quite different from major depression or neurotic depression, since the CFS has no lack of initiative and effort, no inhibition which is seen in endogenous depression, and sharp fluctuations in general fatigue, anxiety, and various persisting somatic symptoms, such as, malaise and mild fever. CFS seems to be similar to the neurasthenia. It is harmful, at least, in aetiology and treatment, to neglect the diagnosis of the CFS.