Researchers at University of Sao Paulo publish new data on chronic fatigue syndrome
March 16th, 2009
2009 MAR 16 -- " Although fatigue is a ubiquitous symptom across countries, clinical descriptions of chronic fatigue syndrome have arisen from a limited number of high-income countries. This might reflect differences in true prevalence or clinical recognition influenced by sociocultural factors," investigators in Sao Paulo, Brazil report.
" To compare the prevalence, physician recognition and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in London and Sao Paulo. Primary care patients in London (n=2459) and Sao Paulo n=3914) were surveyed for the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome. Medical records were reviewed for the physician recognition and diagnosis. The prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome according to Centers for Disease Control 1994 criteria was comparable in Britain and Brazil, 2.1% v. 1.6% (P=0.20). Medical records review identified 11 diagnosed cases of chronic fatigue syndrome in Britain, but none in Brazil (P <0.001). The primary care prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome was similar in two Culturally and economically distinct nations. However, doctors are unlikely to recognise and label chronic fatigue syndrome as a discrete disorder in Brazil," wrote H.J. Cho and colleagues, University of Sao Paulo.
The researchers concluded: "The recognition of this illness rather than the illness itself may be culturally induced."
Cho and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Psychiatry (Comparative epidemiology of chronic fatigue syndrome in Brazilian and British primary care: prevalence and recognition. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;194(2):117-122).
For additional information, contact H.J. Cho, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Dept. of Psychiatry, BR-04023900 Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The publisher of the British Journal of Psychiatry can be contacted at: Royal College of Psychiatrists, British Journal of Psychiatry 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG, England.
Keywords: Brazil, Sao Paulo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Epidemiology, Psychiatry, Virology, University of Sao Paulo.
This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
