Abstract:
Prolonged fatigue syndromes are common in general practice. Most of these syndromes are secondary to other common medical or psychological disorders. It appears, however, that some specific infectious illnesses are associated with prolonged recovery. Theories as to the mechanisms for such post infection fatigue syndromes include a range of immunological, psychological and neurobiological processes. Current evidence suggests disruption of fundamental central nervous system mechanisms, such as the sleep-wake cycle and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, may underpin the clinical features of this disorder. Treatment should focus on the provision of continuous medical care, physical rehabilitation and adjunctive psychological therapies.
Source: Hickie I, Lloyd A, Wakefield D, Ricci C. Is there a postinfection fatigue syndrome? Aust Fam Physician. 1996 Dec;25(12):1847-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9009004