Premorbid functioning, welfare issues and ethics in chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To assess former activity levels in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) subjects, identify differentiating variables and discuss ethical issues arising. Method: File review of 91 CFS patients from a private psychiatric practice, presenting multiple case reports, with limited case comparison data. Results: The CFS subjects appeared formerly more athletically inclined than controls. Other helpful differentiating variables included exercise intolerance, excessive need for sleep, hopefulness and subjective memory problems. Conclusions: Former exercise and other achievement levels warrant systematic research study and consideration in the assessment of CFS patients. Omissions of consideration of premorbid functioning in medicolegal evaluations raise ethical concerns.