Can You Heal From Chronic Fatigue?

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
Article Date: 28 May 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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A group of investigators of the Dutch and British Universities have studied what happens to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome after intensive treatment in the May issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) leads to a decrease in symptoms and disabilities.

There is controversy about the nature of the change following treatment; some suggest that patients improve by learning to adapt to a chronic condition, others think that recovery is possible. The objective of this study was to find out whether recovery from CFS is possible after CBT. The outcome of a cohort of 96 patients treated for CFS with CBT was studied. The definition of recovery was based on the absence of the criteria for CFS set up by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), but also took into account the perception of the patients' fatigue and their own health. Data from healthy population norms were used in calculating conservative thresholds for recovery. After treatment, 69% of the patients no longer met the CDC criteria for CFS. The percentage of recovered patients depended on the criteria used for recovery. Using the most comprehensive definition of recovery, 23% of the patients fully recovered. Fewer patients with a co-morbid medical condition recovered. Significant improvement following CBT is probable and a full recovery is possible. Sharing this information with patients can raise the expectations of the treatment, which may enhance outcomes without raising false hopes.

Psychotherapy And Psychosomatics
Psychotherapy And Psychosomatics