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Kuut TA, Buffart LM, Braamse AMJ, Csorba I, Bleijenberg G, Nieuwkerk P, Moss-Morris R, Müller F, Knoop H. Does the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary by patient characteristics? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2024; 54:447-456. [PMID: 37927223 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Debate is ongoing on the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). With an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis we investigated whether the effect of CBT varied by patient characteristics. These included post-exertional malaise (PEM), a central feature of ME/CFS according to many. We searched for randomized controlled trials similar with respect to comparison condition, outcomes and treatment-protocol. Moderation on fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength, subscale fatigue severity), functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile-8) and physical functioning (Short Form-36, subscale physical functioning) was investigated using linear mixed model analyses and interaction tests. PROSPERO (CRD42022358245). Data from eight trials (n = 1298 patients) were pooled. CBT showed beneficial effects on fatigue severity (β = -11.46, 95% CI -15.13 to -7.79); p < 0.001, functional impairment (β = -448.40, 95% CI -625.58 to -271.23); p < 0.001; and physical functioning (β = 9.64, 95% CI 3.30 to 15.98); p < 0.001. The effect of CBT on fatigue severity varied by age (pinteraction = 0.003), functional impairment (pinteraction = 0.045) and physical activity pattern (pinteraction = 0.027). Patients who were younger, reported less functional impairments and had a fluctuating activity pattern benefitted more. The effect on physical functioning varied by self-efficacy (pinteraction = 0.025), with patients with higher self-efficacy benefitting most. No other moderators were found. It can be concluded from this study that CBT for ME/CFS can lead to significant reductions of fatigue, functional impairment, and physical limitations. There is no indication patients meeting different case definitions or reporting additional symptoms benefit less from CBT. Our findings do not support recent guidelines in which evidence from studies not mandating PEM was downgraded.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Kuut
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L M Buffart
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A M J Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Csorba
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Bleijenberg
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Moss-Morris
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - F Müller
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Vaes AW, Van Herck M, Deng Q, Delbressine JM, Jason LA, Spruit MA. Symptom-based clusters in people with ME/CFS: an illustration of clinical variety in a cross-sectional cohort. J Transl Med 2023; 21:112. [PMID: 36765375 PMCID: PMC9921324 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex, heterogenous disease. It has been suggested that subgroups of people with ME/CFS exist, displaying a specific cluster of symptoms. Investigating symptom-based clusters may provide a better understanding of ME/CFS. Therefore, this study aimed to identify clusters in people with ME/CFS based on the frequency and severity of symptoms. METHODS Members of the Dutch ME/CFS Foundation completed an online version of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire version 2. Self-organizing maps (SOM) were used to generate symptom-based clusters using severity and frequency scores of the 79 measured symptoms. An extra dataset (n = 252) was used to assess the reproducibility of the symptom-based clusters. RESULTS Data of 337 participants were analyzed (82% female; median (IQR) age: 55 (44-63) years). 45 clusters were identified, of which 13 clusters included ≥ 10 patients. Fatigue and PEM were reported across all of the symptom-based clusters, but the clusters were defined by a distinct pattern of symptom severity and frequency, as well as differences in clinical characteristics. 11% of the patients could not be classified into one of the 13 largest clusters. Applying the trained SOM to validation sample, resulted in a similar symptom pattern compared the Dutch dataset. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that in ME/CFS there are subgroups of patients displaying a similar pattern of symptoms. These symptom-based clusters were confirmed in an independent ME/CFS sample. Classification of ME/CFS patients according to severity and symptom patterns might be useful to develop tailored treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk W. Vaes
- grid.491136.80000 0004 8497 4987Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Van Herck
- grid.491136.80000 0004 8497 4987Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nutrim School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,grid.12155.320000 0001 0604 5662Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Qichen Deng
- grid.491136.80000 0004 8497 4987Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nutrim School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeannet M. Delbressine
- grid.491136.80000 0004 8497 4987Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nutrim School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard A. Jason
- grid.254920.80000 0001 0707 2013Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, USA
| | - Martijn A. Spruit
- grid.491136.80000 0004 8497 4987Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nutrim School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Stussman B, Williams A, Snow J, Gavin A, Scott R, Nath A, Walitt B. Characterization of Post-exertional Malaise in Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Neurol 2020; 11:1025. [PMID: 33071931 PMCID: PMC7530890 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by persistent and disabling fatigue, exercise intolerance, cognitive difficulty, and musculoskeletal/joint pain. Post-exertional malaise is a worsening of these symptoms after a physical or mental exertion and is considered a central feature of the illness. Scant observations in the available literature provide qualitative assessments of post-exertional malaise in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. To enhance our understanding, a series of outpatient focus groups were convened. Methods: Nine focus groups totaling 43 patients who reported being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome were held between November 2016 and August 2019. Focus groups queried post-exertional malaise in daily life and participants' retrospective memory of post-exertional malaise that followed an exercise provocation with a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Data analysis followed the grounded theory method to systematically code and categorize the data to find meaningful patterns. A qualitative software package was used to move text into categories during data coding. Results: A wide range of symptoms were attributed to exertion both in daily lives and following cardiopulmonary exercise testing. While three core symptoms emerged (exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, and neuromuscular complaints), participants' descriptions were notable for their unique individual variations. Of 18 participants who responded to questions centered around symptoms following a cardiopulmonary exercise test, 17 reported that symptoms started within 24 h and peaked in severity within 72 h following the cardiopulmonary exercise test. Patients described post-exertional malaise as interfering with their ability to lead a "normal" life. Conclusion: The experience of post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome varies greatly between individuals and leads to a diminished quality of life. myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients describe post-exertional malaise as all-encompassing with symptoms affecting every part of the body, difficult to predict or manage, and requiring complete bedrest to fully or partially recover. Given the extensive variability in patients, further research identifying subtypes of post-exertional malaise could lead to better targeted therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stussman
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ashley Williams
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Joseph Snow
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Angelique Gavin
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Remle Scott
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Brian Walitt
- National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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Luo CH, Ma LL, Liu HM, Liao W, Xu RC, Ci ZM, Lin JZ, Han L, Zhang DK. Research Progress on Main Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Improved by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:556885. [PMID: 33013395 PMCID: PMC7516165 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.556885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia has become a major threat to worldwide public health, having rapidly spread to more than 180 countries and infecting over 1.6 billion people. Fever, cough, and fatigue are the most common initial symptoms of COVID-19, while some patients experience diarrhea rather than fever in the early stage. Many herbal medicine and Chinese patent medicine can significantly improve these symptoms, cure the patients experiencing a mild 22form of the illness, reduce the rate of transition from mild to severe disease, and reduce mortality. Therefore, this paper summarizes the physiopathological mechanisms of fever, cough, fatigue and diarrhea, and introduces Chinese herbal medicines (Ephedrae Herba, Gypsum Fibrosum, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Asteris Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Codonopsis Radix, Atractylodis Rhizoma, etc.) and Chinese patent medicines (Shuang-huang-lian, Ma-xing-gan-shi-tang, etc.) with their corresponding therapeutic effects. Emphasis was placed on their material basis, mechanism of action, and clinical research. Most of these medicines possess the pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunity-enhancement, and may be promising medicines for the treatment or adjuvant treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-hong Luo
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Le-le Ma
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui-min Liu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liao
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Run-chun Xu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-min Ci
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun-zhi Lin
- Central Laboratory, Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Han
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ding-kun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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De Venter M, Illegems J, Van Royen R, Sabbe BGC, Moorkens G, Van Den Eede F. The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and the Response to Group Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:536. [PMID: 32595538 PMCID: PMC7304305 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between childhood trauma and the response to group cognitive-behavioural therapy (GCBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS A single cohort study conducted in an outpatient university referral center for CFS including a well-documented sample of adult patients meeting the CDC criteria for CFS and having received 9 to 12 months of GCBT. A mixed effect model was adopted to examine the impact of childhood trauma on the treatment response in general and over time. The main outcome measures were changes in fatigue, as assessed with the Checklist Individual Strength (total score), and physical functioning, as gauged with the Short Form 36 Health Survey subscale, with the scales being completed at baseline, immediately after treatment completion and after 1 year. RESULTS We included 105 patients with CFS. Childhood trauma was not significantly associated with the response to GCBT over time on level of fatigue or physical functioning. CONCLUSION Childhood trauma does not seem to have an effect on the treatment response to dedicated GCBT for CFS sufferers over time. Therefore, in the allocation of patients to this kind of treatment, a history of childhood trauma should not be seen as prohibitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud De Venter
- University Psychiatric Department, Campus Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jela Illegems
- Behaviour Therapy Division for Fatigue and Functional Symptoms, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Rita Van Royen
- Behaviour Therapy Division for Fatigue and Functional Symptoms, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Bernard G. C. Sabbe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Greta Moorkens
- Behaviour Therapy Division for Fatigue and Functional Symptoms, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Den Eede
- University Psychiatric Department, Campus Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
- Behaviour Therapy Division for Fatigue and Functional Symptoms, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
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Daniels J, Parker H, Salkovskis PM. Prevalence and treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and co-morbid severe health anxiety. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2019; 20:10-19. [PMID: 32021614 PMCID: PMC6994737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a debilitating condition that affects 0.2-0.4% of the population. Health focussed anxiety is common across medical conditions, and may be relevant in CFS/ME. This study sought to identify the prevalence and impact of health anxiety (HA) in CFS/ME and evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for HA in CFS/ME. Cross-sectional questionnaire methods and case-series design were used to achieve study aims. Analysis indicated that 41.9% of the CFS/ME clinic sample experienced threshold levels of health anxiety, which was associated with elevated symptom severity across several dimensions. Stepwise multiple regression indicated physical functioning and depression accounted for 23.8% of variance in fatigue; depression, fatigue and HA, accounted for 32.9% of variance in physical functioning. Large effect sizes and clinically significant changes were generated in the treatment study. HA is common in CFS/ME and likely to exacerbate fatigue and physical functioning. This study identifies HA as an important target for treatment, trial findings should be further replicated on a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Daniels
- Department of Psychology, The University of Bath, United Kingdom
- North Bristol NHS Trust, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author at: University of Bath, Department of Psychology, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
| | - Hannah Parker
- Department of Psychology, The University of Bath, United Kingdom
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Elevated blood lactate in resting conditions correlate with post-exertional malaise severity in patients with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18817. [PMID: 31827223 PMCID: PMC6906377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55473-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated blood lactate after moderate exercise was reported in some of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). We hypothesised that blood lactate could be also elevated in resting conditions. We aimed investigating the frequency of elevated lactate at rest in ME/CFS patients, and comparing characteristics of ME/CFS patients with and without elevated lactate. Patients fulfilling international consensus criteria for ME/CFS who attended the internal medicine department of University hospital Angers-France between October 2011 and December 2017 were included retrospectively. All patients were systematically hospitalised for an aetiological workup and overall assessment. We reviewed their medical records for data related to the assessment: clinical characteristics, comorbidities, fatigue features, post-exertional malaise (PEM) severity, and results of 8 lactate measurements at rest. Patients having ≥1 lactate measurement ≥2 mmol/L defined elevated lactate group. The study included 123 patients. Elevated (n = 55; 44.7%) and normal (n = 68; 55.3%) lactate groups were comparable except for PEM, which was more severe in the elevated lactate group after adjusting for age at disease onset, sex, and comorbidities (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.10–5.55). ME/CFS patients with elevated blood lactate at rest may be at higher risk for more severe PEM. This finding may be of interest in ME/CFS management.
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Janse A, Bleijenberg G, Knoop H. Prediction of long-term outcome after cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2019; 121:93-99. [PMID: 31006534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine which variables predicted long-term outcome after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS A cohort of 511 CFS patients from four different CBT for CFS studies, i.e. two cohort studies and two RCT's. Before treatment, all patients fulfilled the 2003 US CDC criteria for CFS and treated with CBT, were assessed at long-term follow-up, up to 10 years after end of treatment. We tried to predict fatigue severity and physical functioning at follow-up with demographics, cognitive-behavioral perpetuating factors, and CFS characteristics as predictors in linear regression analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore significant predictors of fatigue scores within normal limits at long-term follow-up. RESULTS Lower fatigue severity at long-term follow-up was predicted by a shorter duration of CFS symptoms and lower fatigue levels at baseline, and lower frustration in response to fatigue and lower fatigue levels directly post-treatment. Fatigue scores within normal limits at follow-up was predicted by lower fatigue severity and lower levels of frustration in response to fatigue, both assessed directly post-treatment. Better physical functioning at follow-up was predicted by higher sense of control over fatigue, better physical functioning at post-treatment, and being younger at baseline. In some of the additional analysis pain at baseline also predicted physical functioning at follow-up. CONCLUSION The finding that lower fatigue severity and higher physical functioning at long-term follow-up were positively associated with its outcomes at post-treatment underline the importance of fully maximizing the positive effects of CBT for the sustainment of outcomes. Furthermore, augmenting sense of control and starting treatment sooner after diagnosing CFS could positively influence long-term outcome. Interventions aimed at pain management deserve more attention in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthonie Janse
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Knoop
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Creed F, Tomenson B, Chew-Graham C, Macfarlane G, McBeth J. The associated features of multiple somatic symptom complexes. J Psychosom Res 2018; 112:1-8. [PMID: 30097128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether two or more functional somatic symptom complexes (SSCs) showed stronger association with psychosocial correlates than single or no SSC after adjustment for depression/anxiety and general medical disorders. METHODS In a population-based sample we identified, by standardised questionnaire, participants with chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome, excluding those with a medical cause for pain/fatigue. We compared psychosocial variables in three groups: multiple (>1), single or no FSS, adjusting for depression/anxiety and general medical disorders using ordinal logistic regression. We evaluated whether multiple SSCs predicted health status 1 year later using multiple regression to adjust for confounders. RESULTS Of 1443 participants (58.0% response) medical records were examined in 990: 4.4% (n = 44) had 2 or 3 symptom complexes, 16.2% a single symptom complex. Many psychosocial adversities were significantly associated with number of SSCs in the expected direction but, for many, statistical significance was lost after adjustment for depression/anxiety and medical illness. Somatic symptoms, health anxiety, impairment and number of prior doctor visits remained significantly associated. Impaired health status 1 year later was predicted by multiple somatic symptom complexes even after adjustment for depression, anxiety, medical disorders and number of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Depression, anxiety, medical illness and health anxiety, demonstrated an exposure-response relationship with number of somatic symptom complexes. These may be core features of all Functional Somatic Syndromes and may explain why number of somatic symptom complexes predicted subsequent health status. These features merit inclusion in prospective studies to ascertain causal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Creed
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Manchester, UK.
| | - Barbara Tomenson
- Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Population Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn Chew-Graham
- Research Institute, Primary Care and Health Sciences, West Midlands CLAHRC, Keele University, Newcastle ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Gary Macfarlane
- Epidemiology Group, Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - John McBeth
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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