How do you approach patients with chronic fatigue or unexplained symptoms?

Sample interview questions: How do you approach patients with chronic fatigue or unexplained symptoms?

Sample answer:

Approach to Patients with Chronic Fatigue or Unexplained Symptome

1. Establish a comprehensive medical history:

• Inquire about symptoms, timing, and any aggravating/alleviating factors.
• Review past medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors.
• Explore psychological and emotional well-being.

2. Perform a thorough physical examination:

• Examine for objective signs of illness, such as lymphadenopathies, rashes, or orthostatic hypotension.
• Order relevant laboratory tests based on clinical presentation (e.g., CBC, ESR, ANA, TSH).

3. Rule out treatable causes:

• Consider conditions such as hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic Lyme disease.
• Screen for underlying infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, Bartonella).

4. Evaluate for functional or somatic disorders:

• Explore the presence of symptoms that do not correlate with objective findings.
• Consider diagnoses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, or somatisation disorder.

5. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals:

• Consult with psychologists, neurologists, or other specialists if necessary to provide a multidisciplinary approach.
• Consider referrals for cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, or other supportive treatments.

6. Addr… Read full answer