While experts and researchers continue to investigate the causes and try to come to a better understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), there are many different approaches being considered. Although it is beginning to become better understood that CFS is a physiological condition, there are still many that believe that there may be psychological considerations as well. In that regard, cognitive behavior therapy is being looked at together as a possible course of treatment.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy which is used short term to try changing the way a person thinks, acts and communicates in the hopes of changing emotions about certain things, such as their health. It is a very common therapy for people who are suffering from depression, addictions and eating disorders.
Cognitive behavior therapy is really used as a way for people to be able to regain some sense of control, and it is in fact proving to offer some benefits to sufferers of CFS. For CFS patients, cognitive therapy is used to get the patient to think differently about their fatigue and help improve their ability to deal with situations that are stressful to them and manage their condition.
The patients will undergo several sessions, which will include many things they will need to take part in. Some of these tasks include keeping a diary where they keep track of their energy levels throughout the day, adjusting their schedule around their fatigue, setting limits and accepting when they have relapses.
All of these tasks of self observation and specific plans are used to try and move their thinking away from them being helpless against their fatigue. They are guided toward thinking more as the fatigue as a negative part of their lives, but that it can be manageable.
There are many studies that support the idea that cognitive therapy can help those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. But, it is important to note that not all studies support these findings, and there is still much research that needs to be done. All treatment options need to be considered, and it is important that people do realize that CFS is a real condition, and it is not just in the mind.
Whatever the outcome, it is a well known fact that the mind can act as a powerful healer and can improve overall health. Having a positive outlook is important for treating any condition, and this is no exception. There will continue to be more research into cognitive behavior therapy and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as far as seeing how they can be used together, and hopefully there will be more treatment options available to those who are suffering from this debilitating condition.
Resources:
CFIDS Association of America: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and CFS
http://www.cfids.org/resources/patient-ed-cbt-fsheet.asp
Cochrane DataBase: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18646067
University of Maryland Medical Center: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/toolkit/cbt.html
British medical Journal: Cognitive Behaviour therapy for the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.bmj.com/content/312/7022/22
Psychology Today: Exercise and CBT Can Help Chronic Fatigue
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sleep-newzzz/201303/exercise-and-cbt-can-help-chronic-fatigue
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