Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a meta-analysis

Clin Psychol Rev. 2008 Jun;28(5):736-45. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2007.10.004. Epub 2007 Nov 1.

Abstract

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating chronic fatigue included 15 effect sizes for between-group outcome comparisons. Across analyses, which included a total of 1371 participants, there was a significant difference, d=0.48, in post-treatment fatigue between participants receiving CBT and those in control conditions. Results indicate that CBT for chronic fatigue syndrome tends to be moderately efficacious. Dropout rates in CBT varied from 0-42%, with a mean of 16%. In the five studies that reported the number of CBT clients who were no longer in the clinical range with regard to fatigue at the latest follow-up, the percentage varied from 33% to 73% of those assigned to CBT, with a mean of 50%. Moderator results suggest directions for future investigations.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / psychology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome