18/02/2011
CBT can help chronic fatigue sydrome
by Elizabeth Smythe
A study by British scientists found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help ease the symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), BBC News has reported.
The biggest ever study of ME - also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - has found that sufferers can help alleviate their symptoms if treated with exercise, CBT, and generally encouraged to do more than they think they can.
The aim of the study was to treat the symptoms, not the cause - which remains unknown.
Characteristically, ME and CFS' symptoms include exhaustion, poor concentration, joint and muscle pain, interrupted sleep and memory problems. In 25 per cent of cases, sufferers are unable to leave the house.
The study examined the effectiveness of treatments for the condition; comparing medical care, CBT, exercise and adaptive pacing therapy (planning activity to avoid fatigue).
641 people took part in the research (carried out by the University of Edinburgh) which compared the four treatments over six month periods, and then re-assessed participants for any progress.
CBT is a treatment closely related to hypnotherapy; both are used to help patients learn new ways of thinking, ultimately helping them to feel better about a situation through around four to eight sessions. This is different to long-term therapy in that it achieves more effective results, faster.
The study showed that CBT helped 30 percent of patients to return to normal levels of fatigue and physical function. A small minority recovered completely.
Professor Peter White, from the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, said in The Guardian: "This is a real step forward in informing patients with CFS/ME which treatments can help to improve their health and lead a normal life."
One 27-year-old participant said the trial had changed his life, claiming: "It's like night and day. I owe so much to the trial, it's unbelievable."
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