The chronic fatigue syndrome: a comprehensive approach to its definition and study. International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group

Ann Intern Med. 1994 Dec 15;121(12):953-9. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-121-12-199412150-00009.

Abstract

The complexities of the chronic fatigue syndrome and the methodologic problems associated with its study indicate the need for a comprehensive, systematic, and integrated approach to the evaluation, classification, and study of persons with this condition and other fatiguing illnesses. We propose a conceptual framework and a set of guidelines that provide such an approach. Our guidelines include recommendations for the clinical evaluation of fatigued persons, a revised case definition of the chronic fatigue syndrome, and a strategy for subgrouping fatigued persons in formal investigations.

Publication types

  • Guideline
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / classification*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / etiology
  • Humans
  • Research