Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, including details on myalgic encephalomyelitis (me), diagnosis, gradual and sudden onset.

The association or otherwise of the functional somatic syndromes.

Kanaan RA, Lepine JP, Wessely SC

King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence for overlap in the phenomenology of the Functional Somatic Syndromes (FSS). The FSS show considerable comorbidity, leading some to suggest they may be aspects of the same disorder. METHODS: We conducted a selective review of peer-reviewed articles on the co-occurrence of FSS symptoms and diagnoses. RESULTS: Considerable evidence of overlap was found at the level of symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and clinical diagnoses made. CONCLUSIONS: Phenomenological commonalities support a close relationship between the FSS, although differences remain in other domains. Whether the FSS may best be considered the same or different will depend on the pragmatics of diagnosis.

Published 27 November 2007 in Psychosom Med, 69(9): 855-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Today. All Rights Reserved.