Approach to the Adult Patient with Fatigue
Fatigue is a common, nonspecific symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and psychological factors. It is important to evaluate the patient carefully to determine the underlying cause of the fatigue and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Definition The term “fatigue” can be used to describe difficulty or inability to initiate activity (subjective sense of weakness); reduced capacity to maintain activity (easy fatigability); or difficulty with concentration, memory, and emotional stability (mental fatigue). When some patients use the word “fatigue,” careful history reveals that they are referring to sleepiness or an uncontrollable need to sleep. Patients may report one or a combination of these symptoms, and they may occur alone or in conjunction with localized complaints. Acute fatigue is defined as lasting one month or less, subacute fatigue as lasting between one and six months, and chronic fatigue as lasting ov...