A Follow-up Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: Symptom Persistence and School Absenteeism

Abstract

This is a follow-up study of 28 young people aged between 7 and 17 meeting the Oxford criteria for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome treated in a specialist paediatric/psychiatric service. Retrospective case note analysis revealed a wide range and duration of symptoms together with high levels of school absenteeism prior to the diagnosis. The mean follow-up interval after discharge from the specialist service was 3 years and although most of the young people regarded themselves as fully recovered by this time, improvement was variable and about one third were still experiencing disabling symptoms. The illness had impacted on the education or career plans of all the young people to some extent with 15 experiencing difficulty returning to school. This article highlights the need for early recognition and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in young people and the importance of continuing paediatric support to reduce symptom persistence in the sensitive recovery period. Maintaining school attendance by close liaison between health and education services both before and after diagnosis and treatment is also vital if long-term morbidity is to be reduced.