Chronic fatigue syndrome

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 155: 200-201

Source: Sharpe M, Hawton K, Simkin S et al: Cognitive behaviour therapy for the chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ 1996; 312: 22-26

British researchers conducted a randomized trial to determine the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy as an adjunct to medical care in the treatment of 60 adults with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients received either medical care (assessment, advice to increase activity level and follow-up) or medical care plus cognitive behavioural therapy (16 weekly 1-hour sessions) aimed at helping them to reassess their beliefs about their illness and to develop better coping strategies. After 12 months more than twice as many of the patients in the cognitive behavioural therapy group than in the control group had attained a normal level of daily activity and showed clinically significant improvements in functioning and in self-rated symptoms.

| CMAJ July 15, 1996 (vol 155, no 2) | International digest |