title: Long-term sickness absence among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with high levels of occupational disability. Consecutive out-patients at a chronic fatigue syndrome treatment service were studied for associations between occupational status, symptom severity and cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms. All patients had high symptom levels; however, those on long-term sickness absence had significantly more physical fatigue (β = 0.098, P<0.05) and worse sleep (β = 0.075, P<0.05). Patients with long-term sickness absence also demonstrated more embarrassment avoidance cognitions (β = 0.086, P<0.05) and avoidance resting behavioural responses (β = 0.078, P<0.05). Identifying and addressing avoidance behaviours and cognitions regarding embarrassment in interventions may enhance the chances of individuals returning to work.
authors: Research Section of Mental Health Epidemiology, Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Christiesgt. 13, N-5020 Bergen, Norway. Ann.Knudsen@psych.uib.no
authors: Ann Kristin
authors: AK
authors: Knudsen
authors: Max
authors: M
authors: Henderson
authors: Samuel B
authors: SB
authors: Harvey
authors: Trudie
authors: T
authors: Chalder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult