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Fatigue, depression, and social adjustment in chronic fatigue syndrome
G A Walford1, W M Nelson, D R McCluskey
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Northern Ireland.
Insights
Children with chronic fatigue syndrome experience significant physical and mental fatigue, alongside depressive symptoms. Their schooling and social functioning are severely impacted by the illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
- Chronic Illness Research
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) significantly impacts children's well-being.
- Understanding the multifaceted effects of CFS on pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize fatigue and depression in pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome.
- To evaluate the influence of CFS on children's schooling and social functioning.
- To compare these aspects with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fatigue questionnaires and the children's depression inventory.
- Employed semistructured interviews with parents for social adjustment assessment.
- Compared data from 12 children with CFS, matched cystic fibrosis patients, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Children with CFS reported substantially higher physical and mental fatigue and depressive symptoms.
- Five children with CFS met the criteria for depression.
- Schooling and social functioning were found to be seriously disrupted in the CFS group.
Conclusions:
- Children with CFS exhibit high fatigue levels impacting both physical and mental health.
- A significant association between fatigue and depression in pediatric CFS is confirmed.
- Poor social adjustment is a key characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome in children.
Abstract:
The aims of this study were to determine the characteristics and perceived levels of fatigue and the prevalence of depression in children with chronic fatigue syndrome and to assess the effects of illness on schooling and social functioning. Twelve children with chronic fatigue syndrome were compared with a matched group of children with cystic fibrosis and matched healthy controls. Levels of fatigue (fatigue questionnaire), depression (children's depression inventory), and social adjustment (semistructured interview with parents) were compared between groups. Children with chronic fatigue syndrome had significantly higher median scores for physical and mental fatigue and depressive symptomatology than either comparison group and five children scored as depressed on the children's depression inventory. Schooling and social functioning were seriously disrupted. Children with chronic fatigue syndrome reported high levels of fatigue affecting both physical and mental functioning, the association with depression found in adult studies was confirmed, and social adjustment was poor.