Persistent fatigue in disease free cancer patients: A comparative study

The objective of this study was to assess psychiatric aspects of persistent fatigue in disease free cancer patients. 81 subjects were studied with a focus on those complaining of unexplained and persistent fatigue, using a controlled, prospective follow-up design. Fatigue was reported by 52 (64%), mild to moderate in 27 (34%) and severe in 25 (30%). Psychological and mixed somatic symptoms were more often (P<0.001) observed among fatigue subjects. Fatigue patients had significantly (P<0.001) greater frequency of depressive, anxiety, and atypical somatoform disorders. Follow-up revealed a significant reduction in somatic symptoms, anxiety and depression scores. This study shows that fatigue may persist in cancer patients related to anxiety, depression or abnormal illness behavior and requires psychiatric intervention.