In an increasingly sleepless society inundated with caffeine drinks and social media, it is not surprising that 15%-30% of teens present with complaints of fatigue.1 As fatigue can be a symptom of many disorders, a careful work-up is important.
Fewer than 8 hours’ sleep, large intake of caffeine, and several hours on social media each day are linked with fatigue. Poor eating habits are more likely than not; nearly 21% of teens are overweight.2 Video games have also contributed to symptoms of fatigue by encouraging a sedentary life style.
Dr. Francine Pearce
The work-up for teens with fatigue requires a detailed history of present symptoms and a careful review of systems, which should specifically address weight gain or loss, menstrual change, palpitations, and respiratory changes. It is important to screen for signs of stress and depression.
The physical exam should identify systems that need further work-up, and a standard serum screen would include a complete blood cell count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), and a thyroid panel.
As many experienced physicians can attest, more often than not, this work-up results in normal findings. Suggesting that the basis for fatigue may be a psychiatric cause is usually not well received.
Another consideration is a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a well-documented disorder with defined diagnostic criteria since 1994. Although CFS is more common in adults, research now reveals an annual incidence of 0.5% and a prevalence of 0.19%-1.29% in teens.3 The characteristics are severe and disabling new-onset fatigue lasting greater than 6 months and four of the following symptoms: impaired memory, sore throat, tender cervical and axillary lymph nodes, muscle pain, headaches, unrefreshing sleep, generalized malaise. Orthostatic intolerance has also been identified as a symptom.4
The cause of CFS is unknown, although its onset usually follows an illness.1 The diagnosis is challenging, as there is no definitive test. If the criteria are met, however, a diagnosis of CFS should be given. This allows the patient to feel validated and can foster a better physician-patient relationship.
Treatment for CFS is symptomatic. The first step is good “sleep hygiene.” Reducing or eliminating caffeine and promoting exercise and a healthy diet all contribute to better sleep. Also, the blue light emitted by electronic devices suppresses melatonin and makes it more difficult to fall asleep.5
Resuming normal activity and improving school attendance is the goal achieved through graded exercises, behavioral therapy, and management of pain with acetaminophen and NSAIDs. Tricyclic antidepressants have been studied in CFS but their effectiveness has not been proven.1 Significant improvements are seen in 50% of teens who are appropriately diagnosed and adhere to treatments.1
CFS is a debilitating disorder that can be frustrating to treat. Acknowledging CFS as a legitimate syndrome can aid in treatment by fostering a good physician-patient relationship.
References
1. Findlay, SM. “The Tired Teen: A Review of the Assessment and Management of the Adolescent with Sleepiness and Fatigue” Paediatr Child Health. 2008 Jan;13(1):37-42. Print.
2. Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States, 2011-2012, CDC.
3. Nijhof SL, et al. “Adolescent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Prevalence, Incidence, and Morbidity” Pediatrics. 2011 May;127(5):e1169-e1175.
4. Orthostatic intolerance in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome. Stewart JM, et al. Pediatrics. 1999 Jan;103(1):116-21.
5. “The impact of light from computer monitors on melatonin levels in college students” Figueiro MG, et al. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2011;32(2):158-163.