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Cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
1Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) significantly improved chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms compared to relaxation techniques. CBT demonstrated sustained benefits in physical functioning over six months.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) presents significant challenges in functional impairment and fatigue.
- Current management strategies for CFS require effective therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) against relaxation therapy in managing chronic fatigue syndrome.
- To evaluate the impact of CBT on functional impairment, fatigue, mood, and overall improvement in CFS patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Participants were assigned to 13 sessions of either CBT (graded activity and cognitive restructuring) or relaxation therapy.
- Outcomes assessed included functional impairment, fatigue levels, mood, and global improvement.
Main Results:
- Cognitive behavior therapy led to greater improvements in functional impairment and fatigue compared to relaxation.
- At follow-up, 70% of CBT completers achieved substantial improvement in physical functioning, versus 19% in the relaxation group.
- Improvements observed in the CBT group were sustained for 6 months post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive behavior therapy is a more effective intervention than relaxation for managing chronic fatigue syndrome.
- CBT offers sustained benefits for physical functioning in patients with CFS.