Customizing treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: the role of perpetuating factors

Psychosomatics. 2008 Nov-Dec;49(6):470-7.

Customizing treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: the role of perpetuating factors.

Van Houdenhove B, Luyten P. Dienst Liaisonpsychiatrie, UZ Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BACKGROUND: Syndromes characterized by chronic, medically unexplained fatigue, effort- and stress-intolerance, and widespread pain are highly prevalent in medicine.

RESULTS: In chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM), various perpetuating factors may impair patients' quality of life and functioning and impede recovery. Although cognitive-behavioral and graded-exercise therapy are evidence-based treatments, the effectiveness and acceptability of therapeutic interventions in CFS/FM may largely depend on a customized approach taking the heterogeneity of perpetuating factors into account.

CONCLUSION: Further research should clarify the aim and outcome of different treatment strategies in CFS/FM, as well as the underlying mechanisms of change, including those facilitating neurobiological recovery.

PMID: 19122123 [PubMed - in process]