Fatigue

Definition

A feeling of exhaustion, lethargy, or decreased energy, usually experienced as a weakening or depletion of one's physical or mental resource and characterised by a decreased capacity for work and reduced efficiency in responding to stimuli. Fatigue is normal following a period of exertion, mental or physical, but sometimes may occur in the absence of such exertion as a symptom of health conditions.

Exclusions

• Combat fatigue
• Exhaustion due to exposure
• heat exhaustion
• Bodily distress disorder
• Depressive disorders
• Sleep-wake disorders
• Bipolar or related disorders
• senile fatigue
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Myalgic encephalomyelitis
• Postviral fatigue syndrome
• pregnancy-related exhaustion and fatigue

Inclusions

• General physical deterioration
• Lethargy

Index Terms