ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy [CBT] versus relaxation therapy [RT] in rehabilitation of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS]
Methodology: Forty patients with CFS were randomly divided into 2 groups, each including 20 patients. Group I was treated by 12 sessions of CBT; while group II was managed by 12 sessions of RT. Patients were evaluated at study entry [baseline], at end of treatment and 6 months after treatment [Follow up]. Parameters of evaluation were fatigue severity, physical functioning, work status [hours worked per week] and subjective assessment
Results: The study was completed by 35 patients [18 in group 1 and 17 in group II]. At end of treatment and 6 months after treatment, patients undergoing CBT showed significantly higher improvements than patients receiving RT on measures of fatigue severity, physical functioning and work status [p>0. 05 ]. On comparing with basal values, group I patients scored highly significant improvements [p>0.001] in fatigue severity, physical functioning and work status at end of treatment and these improvements were sustained over 6 months after treatment, while group II patients had significant improvements [p>0.05] in these outcome measures at end of treatment, however these improvements were not maintained up to 6 months. Regarding subjective evaluation, CBT patients had better results with significant difference compared with RT patients at end of treatment and 6 months after treatment. In group I, percentages of patients who were satisfied or improved were 72.2% and 61.1% at end of treatment and at 6 months after treatment respectively. In group II, these percentages were 47.0% and 17.7% respectively
Conclusion: Cognitive behavior therapy is more effective than relaxation therapy in rehabilitation of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Improvements are sustained up to 6 months in patients undergoing cognitive behavior therapy