LACK OF SEASONAL-VARIATION OF SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC-FATIGUE-SYNDROME

Several of the symptoms involved in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) suc h as fatigue, hypersomnia, hyperphagia, weight gain, and mood show sea sonal variations in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with CFS experience seasonal fluctuati ons in these symptoms as well. Seasonal variation of symptoms was asse ssed in a group of 41 patients with CFS and 41 controls closely matche d for age, gender, and city of residence. Participants were recruited across the US and were asked to complete the Seasonal Pattern Assessme nt Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). CFS pat ients showed significantly lower scores on multiple SPAQ-derived measu res as compared with controls. These included seasonal variation in en ergy, mood, appetite, weight, and sleep length. Patients also reported a significantly reduced sensitivity toward sunny, dry, and long days than controls. No association was noted between intensity of seasonal changes and severity of depressive symptoms. Patients with CFS exhibit an abnormally reduced seasonal variation in mood and behavior and wou ld not be expected to benefit from light therapy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd.