Fatigue – a Common Symptom in General Practice, 2019, Bally and Zeller

[Andy]

Abstract. When patients suffering from fatigue consult a GP surgery, GPs should understand what patients mean by fatigue, how strongly they are affected in everyday life and how they themselves explain the symptom. In a next step, dangerous diseases such as depression, addiction or sleep apnea syndrome must be excluded. The main somatic and psychiatric causes of fatigue should be explored simultaneously with a more in-depth history. A simple physical exam and a few lab examinations are sufficient to capture the major disorders that present with the isolated symptom of fatigue. For further care, a primary biopsychosocial approach with a viable physician-patient relationship is crucial. Rough conclusions based on laboratory findings should be avoided; comorbidities must be considered.

Paywall, https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1024/1661-8157/a003359
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[Peter T]

Abstract. ... A simple physical exam and a few lab examinations are sufficient to capture the major disorders that present with the isolated symptom of fatigue. ...

Good to know that many and varied conditions including some rare conditions with complex differential diagnoses can be got out of the way so quickly, allowing GPs to get onto the important issues of ‘somatic and psychiatric’ conditions. (Five minutes to rule out rare genetic or complex metabolic disorders, then you can do the more important in depth psychosocial case history.)

 

[Amw66]

Good to know that many and varied conditions including some rare conditions with complex differential diagnoses can be got out of the way so quickly, allowing GPs to get onto the important issues of ‘somatic and psychiatric’ conditions. (Five minutes to rule out rare genetic or complex metabolic disorders, then you can do the more important in depth psychosocial case history.)

This