Common Symptom of Mental Health Problems
This week’s “Here’s To Your Health” broadcasts provides information about chronic fatigue, a condition where your diminishes your capacity to interact in your daily life. There are many issues that can cause fatigue, including too much physical activity, certain medications and possibly mental health issues. The treatment recommended by your physician will vary based on the cause of your fatigue. To learn more about diagnosing the cause of your fatigue issues, or to schedule an appointment with a UAMS Primary Care Physician, please contact UAMS at 501-686-8000.
Transcript
| There are a number of physical and psychological causes of fatigue. It can be caused by something as simple as excessive physical activity or caffeine use. It can also be caused by certain medications, including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics. Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Obesity, anemia, emphysema and arthritis can all cause fatigue, as can diabetes and congestive heart failure. Fatigue is also a common symptom of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, grief and stress. The pattern of fatigue may help your doctor determine its underlying cause. For example, if you wake up in the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with activity, you may have an ongoing physical condition like an underactive thyroid. On the other hand, if you wake up with a low level of energy and have fatigue that lasts throughout the day, you may be depressed.
This program was first broadcast on July 12, 2011.
T. Glenn Pait, M.D., of UAMS is the host of the program.