Short-term group therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
BACKGROUND
This study presents experiences of focused short-term group therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).


METHODS
Fourteen women diagnosed as CFS patients were randomly placed into two groups. The control group received group therapy 5 months after the first group. The project consisted of 10 group sessions of 1.5 h per week. Sense of coherence (SOC) was used for measuring coping resources, and self-rating scales of quality of life and of fatigue were compared before and after group therapy.


RESULTS
The most valuable aspect was the sharing of experiences. More than half of the patients also felt that the sessions had improved psychological well-being through adjustment of ambitions and improved coping with symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The study encourages further research. If group therapy is chosen as treatment for these patients, a longer period is recommended. A possible alternative is individualized short-term therapy adapted to each patient's needs, problems and circumstances.
Huddinge University Hospital, M42, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden. stina.soderberg@hs.sll.se
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Söderberg
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Evengård
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors