Abstract
PurposeIn this study, we investigate whether prospective associations between psychopathology, physical activity, and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) observed in the 1946 and 1970 birth cohorts were replicable in the 1958 British birth cohort.MethodsProspective study using the 1958 British birth cohort, which included 98.7% of births from 1 week in March 1958 in England, Wales, and Scotland. The outcome was self-reported CFS/ME by the age of 42 years, at which point 11,419 participants remained in the study. Psychopathology was assessed by the Rutter scales in childhood and the Malaise Inventory in adulthood. Physical activity was reported by the cohort member, mother and teacher in childhood and adulthood.ResultsThe prevalence of CFS/ME was 1.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.9–1.3) and the median age of onset was 34 years. Premorbid psychopathology at 23 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.06–3.22) and 33 years (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.28–6.18) significantly increased the odds of developing CFS/ME, supporting the 1946 cohort findings. Childhood psychopathology, sedentary behavior in childhood, and persistent exercise in adulthood were not associated with CFS/ME.ConclusionsIn cohort studies premorbid psychopathology in adulthood is a replicated risk marker for CFS/ME, whereas premorbid extremes of physical activity are not.
Highlights
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in the United Kingdom, is a syndrome that is primarily characterized by disabling postexertional fatigue, in addition to other symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain and sleep disturbance [1]
One report of psychopathology in adulthood was not associated with increase in odds of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), but two or more reports were significantly associated with a 3.2-fold increase in odds
There was no evidence that performing sporting activity at age 11 was associated with reduced odds of CFS/ME [10], or that persistent physical activity in early- to midadulthood increased the risk of CFS/ME [9]
Summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in the United Kingdom, is a syndrome that is primarily characterized by disabling postexertional fatigue, in addition to other symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain and sleep disturbance [1]. The etiology of CFS/ME is not established, but there is some evidence linking the condition with premorbid psychopathology [2,3,4], and premorbid above average physical activity [5,6,7]. A limitation of these findings is that most studies were cross-sectional and it is difficult to determine whether these associations reflect true premorbid risks or result from retrospective response bias. 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 between premorbid levels of activity and psychopathology with CFS/ME can be more unequivocally determined in prospective studies
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