Cognitive behavioural model of chronic fatigue sindrom

• Main Author: Igor Levstik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Psychologists' Association 2001-03-01
• Series: Psihološka Obzorja
• Subjects: chronic fatigue; aetiology; cognitive behavioural therapy; conceptualization; model; treatment; theory
• Online Access: http://psiholoska-obzorja.si/arhiv_clanki/2001_1/levstik.pdf

Chronic fatigue syndrome is heterogeneous, with wide variation in presenting symptoms, severity of fatigue and degree of functional impairment. Social and role functioning may be significantly impaired capabilities. Cognitive behavioural therapy offers a novel approach to the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is based on the hypothesis that inaccurate and unhelpful beliefs, ineffective coping behaviour, negative mood states, social problems and pathophysiological processes all interact to perpetuate the disorder. Treatment aims to help patients to re-evaluate their understanding of the disorder and to adopt more effective coping behaviours. Cognitive behavioural model involve the physical and the psychological view. Therapeutic interventions are often useful to start with behavioural interventions and then to move on to cognitive strategies. The principal behavioural intervention is to stabilise and then to gradually increase activity. The principal cognitive interventions are work on negative thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes about disorder.