From the Journal of Health Psychology, 15 September 2016.
Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative review on efficacy and informed consent
Keith J Geraghty(1,⇑), Charlotte Blease(2)
1) University of Manchester, UK
2) University of Leeds, UK
Keith J Geraghty, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Email: keith.geraghty@manchester.ac.uk
Abstract
Cognitive behavioural therapy is increasingly promoted as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. There is limited research on informed consent using cognitive behavioural therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome. We undertook a narrative review to explore efficacy and to identify the salient information that should be disclosed to patients.
We found a complex theoretical model underlying the rationale for psychotherapy in chronic fatigue syndrome. Cognitive behavioural therapy may bring about changes in self-reported fatigue for some patients in the short term, however there is a lack of evidence for long-term benefit or for improving physical function and cognitive behavioural therapy may cause distress if inappropriately prescribed.
Therapist effects and placebo effects are important outcome factors.