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Maas Genannt Bermpohl F, Kucharczyk-Bodenburg AC, Martin A. Efficacy and Acceptance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Meta-analysis. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-023-10254-2. [PMID: 38228869 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10254-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The systematic aggregation of research on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) needs an update. Although meta-analyses evaluating interventions typically focus on symptom reduction, they should also consider indicators of treatment acceptability, e.g., drop-out rates. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CBT in adults with CFS compared to inactive and non-specific control groups were included. First, efficacy was examined, considering fatigue, depression, anxiety, and perceived health. Secondly, drop-out rates through different trial stages were analyzed: Non-completion of all mandatory sessions, drop-out (primary study definition), treatment refusal (non-starters), and average of sessions completed. RESULT We included 15 RCTs with 2015 participants. CBT was more effective than controls in fatigue (g = -0.52, 95%CI -0.69 to -0.35), perceived health, depression, and anxiety at post-treatment. At long-term follow-up the effects were maintained for fatigue and anxiety. Rates of non-completion (22%, 95%CI 3-71), drop-out (15%, 95%CI 9-25), and treatment refusal (7%, 95%CI 3-15) were relatively low, with a high average proportion of sessions completed. Total time of therapy moderated the effect on fatigue, while the number of sessions moderated the effect on perceived health. Fatigue severity influenced adherence. CONCLUSION The results indicate that CBT for CFS is effective in reducing fatigue, fatigue related impairment, and severity of depression and anxiety. Conclusions on efficacy at follow-ups are still limited. However, adherence is high in CBT. The results may help to inform clinical practice. Future research should focus on examining the maintenance of effects, while also emphasizing the importance of treatment acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandra Martin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
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Gaunt D, Brigden A, Metcalfe C, Loades M, Crawley E. Investigating the factors associated with meaningful improvement on the SF-36-PFS and exploring the appropriateness of this measure for young people with ME/CFS accessing an NHS specialist service: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069110. [PMID: 37620254 PMCID: PMC10450087 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Paediatric myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is relatively common and disabling, but little is known about the factors associated with outcome. We aimed to describe the number and characteristics of young people reaching the 10-point minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of SF-36-Physical Function Subscale (SF-36-PFS) and to investigate factors associated with reaching the MCID. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING A specialist UK National Health Service ME/CFS service, Southwest England; recruitment between March 2014 and August 2015. PARTICIPANTS 193 eligible patients with ME/CFS aged 8-17 years reported baseline data. 124 (65%) and 121 (63%) with outcome data at 6 and 12 months, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES SF-36-PFS (primary outcome). Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, school attendance, visual analogue pain scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Spence Young People Anxiety Scale, Clinical Global Impression scale and EQ-5D-Y (secondary). RESULTS At 6 months 48/120 (40%) had reached the MCID for SF-36-PFS. This had increased to 63/117 (54%) at 12 months. On the Clinical Global Impressions, 77% and 79% reported feeling either a little better, much better or very much better. Those with worse SF-36-PFS at baseline assessment were more likely to achieve the MCID for SF-36-PFS at 6 months (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 0.99, p value 0.003), but there was weaker evidence of effect at 12 months (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00, p value 0.038). No other factors at baseline were associated with the odds of reaching the MCID at 6 months. However, at 12 months, there was strong evidence of an effect of pain on MCID (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p value 0.001) and SF-36-PFS on MCID (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.98, p value 0.001). CONCLUSIONS 40% and 54% of young people reached the MCID at 6 and 12 months, respectively. No factors at assessment (other than SF-36-PFS at 6 months, and pain and SF-36-PFS at 12 months) are associated with MCID of SF-36-PFS at either 6 or 12 months. Further work is needed to explore the most appropriate outcome measure for capturing clinical meaningful improvement for young people with ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Gaunt
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amberly Brigden
- Digital Health, School of Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Loades
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Gotaas ME, Landmark T, Helvik AS, Fors EA. Characteristics associated with physical functioning and fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial. FATIGUE: BIOMEDICINE, HEALTH & BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2023.2175521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Merethe Eide Gotaas
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- National Competence Centre for Complex Symptom Disorders, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tormod Landmark
- National Competence Centre for Complex Symptom Disorders, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne S. Helvik
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Egil A. Fors
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Müller F, Verdam MGE, Oort FJ, Riper H, van Straten A, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Sprangers MAG, Knoop H. Response Shift After Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Targeting Severe Fatigue: Explorative Analysis of Three Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Behav Med 2022:10.1007/s12529-022-10111-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based intervention for severe fatigue. Changes in patients’ fatigue scores following CBT might reflect not only the intended relief in fatigue but also response shift, a change in the meaning of patients’ self-evaluation. Objectives were to (1) identify the occurrence of response shift in patients undergoing CBT, (2) determine the impact of response shift on the intervention effect, and (3) investigate whether changes in fatigue-related cognitions and perceptions, targeted during CBT, are associated with response shift.
Methods
Data of three randomized controlled trials testing the efficacy of CBT in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, n = 222), cancer (n = 123), and diabetes (n = 107) were re-analyzed. Fatigue severity was measured with 8 items from the Checklist Individual Strength, a valid and widely used self-report questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was applied to assess lack of longitudinal measurement invariance, as indication of response shift.
Results
As expected, in all three trials, response shift was indicated in the CBT groups, not the control groups. Response shift through reprioritization was indicated for the items “Physically, I feel exhausted” (CFS) and “I tire easily” (cancer, diabetes), which became less vs. more important to the measurement of fatigue, respectively. However, this did not affect the intervention effects. Some changes in cognitions and perceptions were associated with the response shifts.
Conclusions
CBT seems to induce response shift through reprioritization across patient groups, but its occurrence does not affect the intervention effect. Future research should corroborate these findings and investigate whether patients indeed change their understanding of fatigue.
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Kuut TA, Müller F, Aldenkamp A, Assmann-Schuilwerve E, Braamse A, Geerlings SE, Gibney KB, Kanaan RAA, Nieuwkerk P, Olde Hartman TC, Pauëlsen D, Prins M, Slieker K, Van Vugt M, Bleeker-Rovers CP, Keijmel SP, Knoop H. A randomised controlled trial testing the efficacy of Fit after COVID, a cognitive behavioural therapy targeting severe post-infectious fatigue following COVID-19 (ReCOVer): study protocol. Trials 2021; 22:867. [PMID: 34857010 PMCID: PMC8637041 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05569-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) results in debilitating long-term symptoms, often referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), in a substantial subgroup of patients. One of the most prevalent symptoms following COVID-19 is severe fatigue. Prompt delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment that has shown benefit in reducing severe fatigue in other conditions, may reduce post-COVID-19 fatigue. Based on an existing CBT protocol, a blended intervention of 17 weeks, Fit after COVID, was developed to treat severe fatigue after the acute phase of infection with SARS-CoV-2. METHOD The ReCOVer study is a multicentre 2-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of Fit after COVID on severe post-infectious fatigue. Participants are eligible if they report severe fatigue 3 up to and including 12 months following COVID-19. One hundred and fourteen participants will be randomised to either Fit after COVID or care as usual (ratio 1:1). The primary outcome, the fatigue severity subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-fatigue), is assessed in both groups before randomisation (T0), directly post CBT or following care as usual (T1), and at follow-up 6 months after the second assessment (T2). In addition, a long-term follow-up (T3), 12 months after the second assessment, is performed in the CBT group only. The primary objective is to investigate whether CBT will lead to a significantly lower mean fatigue severity score measured with the CIS-fatigue across the first two follow-up assessments (T1 and T2) as compared to care as usual. Secondary objectives are to determine the proportion of participants no longer being severely fatigued (operationalised in different ways) at T1 and T2 and to investigate changes in physical and social functioning, in the number and severity of somatic symptoms and in problems concentrating across T1 and T2. DISCUSSION This is the first trial testing a cognitive behavioural intervention targeting severe fatigue after COVID-19. If Fit after COVID is effective in reducing fatigue severity following COVID-19, this intervention could contribute to alleviating the long-term health consequences of COVID-19 by relieving one of its most prevalent and distressing long-term symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NL8947 . Registered on 14 October 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Kuut
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - F Müller
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Aldenkamp
- Department of Lung Medicine, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - A Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S E Geerlings
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K B Gibney
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R A A Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - P Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - D Pauëlsen
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Prins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Slieker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - M Van Vugt
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C P Bleeker-Rovers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S P Keijmel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sleep Disturbance and Fatigue Following Acquired Brain Injury: Predictors of Treatment Response. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 37:E220-E230. [PMID: 34320552 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with treatment response to cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep disturbance and fatigue (CBT-SF) after acquired brain injury (ABI). SETTING Community dwelling. PARTICIPANTS Thirty participants with a traumatic brain injury or stroke randomized to receive CBT-SF in a parent randomized controlled trial. DESIGN Participants took part in a parallel-groups, parent randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment, comparing an 8-week CBT-SF program with an attentionally equivalent health education control. They were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, 2 months post-treatment, and 4 months post-treatment. The study was completed either face-to-face or via telehealth (videoconferencing). Following this trial, a secondary analysis of variables associated with treatment response to CBT-SF was conducted, including: demographic variables; injury-related variables; neuropsychological characteristics; pretreatment sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, anxiety and pain; and mode of treatment delivery (face-to-face or telehealth). MAIN MEASURES Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). RESULTS Greater treatment response to CBT-SF at 4-month follow-up was associated with higher baseline sleep and fatigue symptoms. Reductions in fatigue on the FSS were also related to injury mechanism, where those with a traumatic brain injury had a more rapid and short-lasting improvement in fatigue, compared with those with stroke, who had a delayed but longer-term reduction in fatigue. Mode of treatment delivery did not significantly impact CBT-SF outcomes. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight potential differences between fatigue trajectories in traumatic brain injury and stroke, and also provide preliminary support for the equivalence of face-to-face and telehealth delivery of CBT-SF in individuals with ABI.
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Braamse A, Voss H, Nikolaus S, Wearden A, Knoop H. The role of partners' fatigue and the patient-partner relationship in the outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2020; 135:110133. [PMID: 32450339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) little is known about how partner-related factors influence patients' fatigue symptoms and treatment outcome. We examined partners' fatigue severity, and determined the role of partner-related factors for patients' symptoms and the outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). METHODS 1356 CFS patients and their partners completed baseline measures of fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength), causal attributions of symptoms, partner responses to patient symptoms, and relationship satisfaction. Fatigue in partners of patients with CFS was compared with fatigue in age- and gender-matched controls from the Dutch population. Associations between partners' fatigue severity and other partner-related factors were determined. In a subgroup of 760 CFS patients who completed CBT, logistic regression analyses were used to identify partner-related baseline predictors for treatment outcome (fatigue severity, functional impairment). RESULTS Partners' fatigue (M = 21.66, SD 11.60) was significantly lower than in controls (M = 24.58, SD = 11.02) (p < .001) and not related to patients' fatigue (r = -0.02, p = .58). Partners' fatigue was correlated with patients' functional impairment (p = .001), partners' and patients' relationship dissatisfaction, negative partner responses, and partners' and patients' psychological attributions of patient symptoms at baseline (all p < .001). After controlling for patients' baseline fatigue severity and functional impairment, only relationship dissatisfaction as reported by (female) patients significantly predicted worse treatment outcome. For male patients with female partners, higher partners' fatigue severity predicted higher fatigue severity after CBT. CONCLUSIONS Female partners' fatigue and relationship dissatisfaction as reported by the female patient should be addressed in CBT for CFS, as these factors affect treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Braamse
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Hille Voss
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Stephanie Nikolaus
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Alison Wearden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Hans Knoop
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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