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- $Unique_ID{BRK00817}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Is Always Feeling Tired Just All in One's Head?}
- $Subject{fatigue causes Ill Defined Symptom symptoms behavior behaviors
- emotional problems Stress unresolved conflicts depression}
- $Volume{N-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Is Always Feeling Tired Just All in One's Head?
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- QUESTION: A close friend is always complaining about how tired she is, even
- though she never seems to actually get sick. Other friends of mine know
- people just like her. Are these people lazy, are they actually suffering from
- something, or is it just all in their heads?
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- ANSWER: "Fatigue" is an elusive condition that in the absence of any other
- symptoms may be the physical expression of a variety of emotional problems.
- Stress, unresolved conflicts, anxiety or depression may all manifest
- themselves as fatigue in individuals who are unaware or incapable of facing
- their problems directly. In such cases, the doctor can enlighten the patient
- as to the emotional component of his or her condition, and, if necessary,
- recommend psychological counselling. On the other hand, it is estimated that
- 20 to 40 percent of fatigue cases result from a physiological condition.
- Here, fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms which are usually uncovered
- during the patient interview or physical exam (a cough, fever or weight loss
- for example), and help pinpoint the underlying condition. It would seem that
- your friend could really profit from a visit with her doctor, and obtain the
- answers necessary to correct a life style that must be frustrating and
- painful.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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