Learning to cope with chronic illness. Efficacy of a multi-component treatment for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an out-patient, multi-component programme developed for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).


METHODS
Twenty-two patients were assessed before and after six months of treatment. Findings were compared with 22 individuals on the waiting list. The programme offered medical care as well as information and counselling to help patients to understand, accept and cope with their illness.


RESULTS
At six months, there were significant differences between the groups for fatigue, self-efficacy and anxiety. Overall, 82% of the treated patients reported feeling better and 23% had improved to such a degree that they were discharged from the clinic. The gains were maintained at twelve months.


CONCLUSIONS
This programme was found to be both helpful and acceptable and may provide a useful first-line intervention for many patients with CFS.


CONCLUSIONS
Short, pragmatic programmes may be as effective as cognitive-behaviour therapy.
Goudsmit
Ellen M
EM
School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK. ellengoudsmit@hotmail.com
Ho-Yen
Darrel O
DO
Dancey
Christine P
CP
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects