ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of fatigue in chronic medical conditions from a psychosomatic perspective. Fatigue is a dispiriting word for clinicians by virtue of the myriad of clinical possibilities that is spawned by this presenting complaint. Physiological fatigue is measured by electrophysiological methods. A force transducer, for example, measures peripheral fatigue as a reduction of actual force produced by the muscle in response to electrical stimulation following exercise. The most widespread approach for the assessment of experienced fatigue is using self-report scales and questionnaires. Qualitative methods are ideal for understanding the subjective experience and functional impact of fatigue. Fatigue is among the leading, most distressing and debilitating symptoms of many medical conditions. Chronic fatigue is associated with significantly reduced activity in a subgroup of patients with chronic fatigue. Fatigue has multiple conceptualizations and myriad assessment tools.
