OBJECTIVE: Cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome was
compared with relaxation in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty
patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were randomly assigned to 13
sessions of either cognitive behavior therapy (graded activity and
cognitive restructuring) or relaxation. Outcome was evaluated by using
measures of functional impairment, fatigue, mood, and global improvement.
RESULTS: Treatment was completed by 53 patients. Functional impairment and
fatigue improved more in the group that received cognitive behavior
therapy. At final follow-up, 70% of the completers in the cognitive
behavior therapy group achieved good outcomes (substantial improvement in
physical functioning) compared with 19% of those in the relaxation group
who completed treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive behavior therapy was more
effective than a relaxation control in the management of patients with
chronic fatigue syndrome. Improvements were sustained over 6 months of
follow-up.Abstract Teaser