Abstract
Objective: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is considered to be one of the functional somatic syndromes (FSS) Cognitions and behavior are thought to perpetuate the symptoms of CFS. Behavioral interventions based on the existing models of perpetuating factors are quite successful in reducing fatigue and disabilities. The evidence is reviewed that cognitive processes, particularly those that determine the perception of fatigue and its effect on behavior, play a central role in the maintenance of symptoms
Method: Narrative review.
Results: Findings from treatment studies suggest that cognitive factors mediate the positive effect of behavioral interventions on fatigue Increased Fitness or increased physical activity does not seem to mediate the treatment response. Additional evidence for the role of cognitive processes is found in studies comparing the subjective beliefs patients have of their functioning with their actual performance and in neurobiological research.
Conclusion: Three different cognitive processes may play a role in the perpetuation of CFS symptoms. The first is a general cognitive representation in which fatigue is perceived as something negative and aversive and CFS is seen as an illness that is difficult to influence The second process involved is the focusing on fatigue The third element is formed by specific dysfunctional beliefs about activity and fatigue
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | N/A |
| Pages (from-to) | 489-494 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Psychosomatic Research |
| Volume | 68 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - May 2010 |
Keywords
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Functional somatic syndromes
- Perpetuating factors
- Treatment studies
- Cognitive processes
- Perception
- MONOZYGOTIC TWINS DISCORDANT
- BEHAVIOR THERAPY
- PERFORMANCE
- ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
- DEFINITION
- PERCEPTION
- MANAGEMENT
- SYMPTOMS
- MOVEMENT
- BELIEFS