CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AND DIETING DISORDERS - DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS

Objective: This paper illustrates the importance of conducting an init ial and ongoing psychiatric assessment of patients with chronic fatigu e syndrome in order to diagnose dieting disorders. The diagnostic issu es and management problems of three case vignettes, two with anorexia nervosa and one with bulimia nervosa, are described. Method: The treat ment response of dieting disordered patients is generally prolonged af ter a previous diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome has been made and the patient and family favour a disease diagnosis. Results: Several m anagement problems arise and family members may also be reluctant to a ccept a dieting disorder diagnosis. Conclusions: Early detection of di eting disorders by adequate screening and assessment is necessary so t hat a significant reduction in morbidity may occur.