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Bazelmans E, Vercoulen JH, Swanink CM, Fennis JF, Galama JM, van Weel C, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Fam Pract 1999 Dec;16(6):602-4. University Hospital Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology, The Netherlands.

SUMMARY: Minimum estimates of CFS/FM prevalence from this study from the Netherlands are: 112 out of 100,00 for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and 157 out of 100,000 for Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence studies on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are rare. Because of the similarity in symptoms, the prevalence of Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome (PFS) was investigated at the same time.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of CFS and PFS as recognized by GPs in The Netherlands and to inform them of the existence of CFS.

METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all GPs.

RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 60% of the GPs. Seventy-three per cent reported one or more CFS patients and 83% one or more PFS patients in their practice.

CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of CFS as recognized by GPs of 112 (PFS 157) patients per 100,000 is a minimum estimate.

PMID: 10625135, UI: 20088473