Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a controversial clinical entity
characterized by severe fatigue and constitutional symptoms, has been
associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. To further understand
the psychiatric profile of CFS, the authors compared patients with CFS,
multiple sclerosis (MS), and major depression by using diagnostic
interviews and self-report measures of Axis I disorders and personality
disorders. CFS patients differed from patients with major depression, with
significantly less depression and fewer personality disorders. Compared
with MS patients, CFS patients did not differ with regard to personality
disorders. However, they did have significantly more frequent current
depression than MS patients, particularly following onset of their
illness.Abstract Teaser