Chronic fatigue syndrome and dieting disorders: diagnosis and management problems.

OBJECTIVE

This paper illustrates the importance of conducting an initial and ongoing psychiatric assessment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in order to diagnose dieting disorders. The diagnostic issues and management problems of three case vignettes, two with anorexia nervosa and one with bulimia nervosa, are described.

METHOD: The treatment response of dieting disordered patients is generally prolonged after a previous diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome has been made and the patient and family favour a disease diagnosis.

RESULTS

Several management problems arise and family members may also be reluctant to accept a dieting disorder diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection of dieting disorders by adequate screening and assessment is necessary so that a significant reduction in morbidity may occur.