During the summer of 1994, we performed a follow-up study of 42 of 58 children and adolescents seen in a chronic fatigue program to determine the course and outcome of their illness. Telephone interviews were conducted with 39 mothers and 3 young adult patients; of the remaining families, 8 did not respond to the phone messages, 3 had moved, and 5 did not wish to participate. Of the 42 pts, 3 were first seen during the 1989-90 school year, 5 in 1990-91, 12 in 1991-92, 12 in 1992-93, and 10 in 1993-94. At time of presentation, they were mean age 15.1 yrs (range 10-21), 73% female, 95% white and ill a mean of 10.1 (range 1-36) mos. On f/u evaluation, 43% of pts were considered“cured”, 52% “improved”, and 5% “same”. Demographic and clinical data did not differ between those who did or did not participate in the follow-up study. Pts reported to be doing well “most of the time” progressed from the first visit as follows:Table

Table 1
Full size table

The data demonstrate that most children and adolescents with chronic fatigue do well at follow-up, with many improving by the first summer after being seen and most within 2 years. These data can be used in reassuring patients and families as part of the management of the disorder.