Predictors of outcome in a fatigued population in primary care following a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to examine factors that predicted outcome in a chronically fatigued group of patients who were randomized to cognitive behaviour therapy or counselling in primary care.


METHODS
Illness perceptions, attributions, fatigue, disability and demographic variables were recorded at assessment and levels of fatigue and disability were measured at 6 months post randomization. Logistic regression was used to examine associations.


RESULTS
Factors that predicted a poor outcome (four or more on the fatigue questionnaire) were: poor social adjustment at assessment; the patients self-report that they had never seen the GP for an emotional reason; a physical illness attribution; and, a long perceived future illness duration.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who are more psychologically minded are more likely to improve with psychological treatments in primary care. General practitioners need to assess this before referring to an appropriate therapist.
Chalder
T
T
Department of Psychological Medicine, Guy's, King's and St Thomas's School of Medicine, London.
Godfrey
E
E
Ridsdale
L
L
King
M
M
Wessely
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D003710:Demography; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors