Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

By David S. Bell, MD

FAAP Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; The Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Abstract reprinted with permission from Focus & Opinion: Pediatrics, vol. 1, issue 5, 1995, pages 412 - 420. Permission is granted for a non-exclusive one time use of this material by Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 161 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60601.

A copy of the entire article is available from The CFIDS Association of America. For ordering information please call the Association's Resource Line at 704-365-2343.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also called chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is an illness characterized by marked functional limitation and a characteristic pattern of somatic symptoms that affects children as well as adults. The symptom complex, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, clinical course, and differential diagnosis are reviewed with particular emphasis on CFS in children.

Clinical management consists of a comprehensive treatment plan including medical, educational, and psychosocial support with the aim of reducing both symptom severity and activity limitation. Although its etiology is unknown, the use of the term "chronic fatigue syndrome" as a clinical diagnosis is appropriate for children with marked functional limitation caused by unexplained fatigue who have the associated symptom complex and physical examination findings characteristic of this condition.