ABSTRACT
The symptom complex now known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), has only relatively recently been recognized and recognition of the syndrome in children is more recent than that in adults. It has been given a variety of names including myalgic encephalomyelitis and post-viral fatigue syndrome but these names imply a known pathology or aetiology and in many cases this cannot be demonstrated. Epstein-Barr virus infection can result in a similar clinical picture which has led to the hypothesis that CFS is due to a viral infection. Because many aspects of the condition are still unexplained, theories of causation and ideas on management are controversial. However, children affected by the disease can be considerably disabled for sometimes prolonged periods of time and it is important that health professionals are supportive and provide appropriate information and treatment. For most children, management is best done in primary care, but for children who are severely affected a multidisciplinary approach involving GP, paediatrician, child psychiatrist, school and other health care professionals is required.
