June, 2004
European researchers have found evidence that depression and fatigue reinforce each other in a vicious cycle. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is thought to be a distinct disorder from depression, although there is a great deal of symptom overlap.
The year-long European study found that patients who were depressed at the beginning of the study were four times more likely to be fatigued. Fatigue at the start more than doubled the chances of depression. The study included 3,200 patients.
Health professionals have long been aware of the association between the mental health disorder depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, but were never sure which symptom came first. The circular nature of these symptoms suggests that it can happen both ways.
Lead author Petros Skapinakis, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. is quoted by Health Behavior News Service as summarizing the research this way: "Fatigue and psychiatric disorder are not the same. It is evident from the literature that fatigue and depression have different risk factors. Physical activity is known to have a protective effect on depression. It has also been suggested that physical deconditioning might be an important factor in the development of unexplained fatigue."
He went on to describe areas of overlap between the disorders. Fatigued persons might feel psychologically distressed over their condition, and decreased energy is one symptom of depression. Levels of physical activity could explain the interaction between fatigue and depression.
Exercise help both conditions, and people who are depressed or fatigued often find it hard to start exercising. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or fatigue. Ask about an exercise program; but also ask about other treatments.
Reference: Skapinakis, et.al. Psychosomatic Medicine June 2004. Last updates 11/04/05
