Prevalence of Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Community-Based Sample

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) among children and adolescents (ages 5 to 17) in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse community population.Objectives: This investigation attempted to address limitations of previous studies by using a community-based sample and thoroughly evaluating each participant (i.e., using medical and psychological evaluations) to determine a proper diagnosis of CFS.Methods: A community-based sample of children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 were screened for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by telephone. Those reported to suffer from CFS-like symptoms were given medical and psychological evaluations to allow a determination of the CFS diagnosis.Results: The overall prevalence rate for the sample was 60 per 100,000 or .06%. The prevalence for the adolescents (aged 13 to 17) was 181 per 100,000 or .181%.Conclusions: The current prevalence estimate for CFS in adolescents is higher than previous estimates. CFS was more common in adolescents than pre-pubescent children.