scholarly journals ‘It’s personal to me’: A qualitative study of depression in young people with CFS/ME

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 326-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna K Taylor ◽  
Maria Loades ◽  
Amberly LC Brigden ◽  
Simon M Collin ◽  
Esther Crawley
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Probable Depression

Background: Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) has a prevalence of 0.4–2.4% and is defined as ‘generalised disabling fatigue persisting after routine tests and investigations have failed to identify an obvious underlying cause’. One-third of young people with CFS/ME have probable depression. Little is known about why depression develops, the relationship between depression and CFS/ME, or what treatment might be helpful. Methods: We conducted nine semi-structured interviews with young people with CFS/ME (aged 13–17 years, 8/9 female) and probable depression, covering perceived causes of depression, the relationship between CFS/ME and depression, and treatment strategies. Results: Most thought CFS/ME caused depression. Many discussed a cyclical relationship: low mood made CFS/ME worse. A sense of loss was common. CFS/ME restricted activities participants valued and changed systemic structures, causing depression. There was no single helpful treatment approach. Individualised approaches using combinations of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, activity management and other strategies were described. Conclusion: This study suggests that depression may be secondary to CFS/ME in young people because of the impact of CFS/ME on quality of life. Clinicians treating young people with CFS/ME need to consider strategies to prevent development of depression, and research is needed into approaches that are effective in treating CFS/ME with co-morbid depression.

scholarly journals Effect of psychiatric disorders on outcome of cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Prins ◽  
Gijs Bleijenberg ◽  
Eufride Klein Rouweler ◽  
Jos Van Der Meer
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Psychiatric Interview ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
The Impact

SummaryPsychiatric disorders have been associated with poor outcome in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This study examines the impact of psychiatric disorders on outcome of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed with a structured psychiatric interview in a CBT trial of 270 people with CFS. Lifetime and current psychiatric disorders were found in 50 and 32% respectively. No significant differences in fatigue severity and functional impairment following treatment were found between participants with and without psychiatric diagnoses.

Psychiatric management of severe somatoform disorders in childhood and adolescence

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Elena Garralda
Keyword(s):  
Somatoform Disorders ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Conversion Disorder ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

Background:Unexplained medical symptoms are common in children. They constitute the main feature of somatoform disorders of childhood (i.e. pain disorders, conversion disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome or neurasthenia).Objective:To describe assessment and treatment strategies for severe somatoform disorders of childhood.Methods:Review of recommendations for clinical practice and clinical trials.Results:A number of specific techniques have been described. Clinical accounts indicate that many children benefit and can recover. There is some empirical evidence supporting the beneficial effects of techniques such as family cognitive-behavioural therapy and relaxation technique for the less severe disorders.Conclusions:Existing helpful clinical guidelines require empiric validation.

scholarly journals Exploratory study into the relationship between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) using a quasiexperimental design

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041947
Author(s):  
Pamela G Mckay ◽  
Helen Walker ◽  
Colin R Martin ◽  
Mick Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Symptom Experience ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothesis predicated that there would be no significant differences between the group’s symptom experience.DesignA quasiexperimental design. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and invariance testing.ParticipantsMales (M) and females (F) >16 with a confirmed diagnosis of CFS/ME or FM by a general practitioner or specialist. CFS/ME (n=101, F: n=86, M: n=15, mean (M) age M=45.5 years). FM (n=107, F: n=95, M: n=12, M=47.2 years).Outcome measuresDiagnostic criteria: the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for CFS/ME and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FM. Additional symptom questionnaires measuring: pain, sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety and depression, locus of control and self-esteem.ResultsInvariance was confirmed with the exception of the American CDC Symptom Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p<0.05) based on five questions. Consequently, it was erroneous to conclude differences. Therefore, the Syndrome Model was created. SEM could not have tested the ACR previously, as it comprised a single data point. Thus, it was combined with these three questionnaires, increasing the data points, to create this new measurable model. Results confirmed no significant differences between groups (p=0.07 (p<0.05)).ConclusionParticipants responded in a similar manner to the questionnaire, confirming the same symptom experience. It is important to consider this in context with differing criteria and management guidelines, as this may influence diagnosis and the trajectory of patient’s management. With the biomedical cause currently unclear, it is the symptom experience and the impact on quality of life that is important. These findings are meaningful for patients, clinicians and policy development and support the requirement for future research.

scholarly journals Investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of FITNET-NHS (Fatigue In Teenagers on the interNET in the NHS) compared to activity management to treat paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): amendment to the published protocol

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Anderson ◽  
Daisy Gaunt ◽  
Chris Metcalfe ◽  
Manmita Rai ◽  
William Hollingworth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Trial Protocol ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Therapy Program ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Activity Management

Abstract The FITNET-NHS Trial is a UK, national, trial investigating whether an online cognitive behavioural therapy program (FITNET-NHS) for treating chronic fatigue syndrome/ME in adolescents is clinically effective and cost-effective in the NHS. At the time of writing (September 2019), the trial was recruiting participants. This article presents an update to the planned sample size and data collection duration previously published within the trial protocol. Trial registration ISRCTN, ID: 18020851. Registered 8 April 2016.

A qualitative exploration of young people and prison officers’ experiences of empathy within a young offenders’ institution

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Anne Tarrant ◽  
Alison Torn
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Institutional Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Relationship Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to explore the ways in which young people and prison staff (Prison Officers) within a youth custodial establishment experience empathy. Previous research tends to view empathy as a stable trait and one which people can develop through individual-centred therapy. There has been little consideration of the impact of relationship factors and context in relation to empathy experience and expression. The current study aims to address this by exploring the role of the custodial context in shaping empathy, including the potential impact of relationships, environmental factors and culture. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used to enable breadth and depth in the exploration of this area. Individual, semi-structured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of three young people and three Prison Officers. Data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis informed by the guidelines of Braun and Clarke (2006) and King and Horrocks (2010). Findings Constructed themes included “constructions of empathy”, “recipe for empathy”, “institutional investment”, “the value of empathy” and “doing empathy”. Together, they provide detailed insight into the interplay of personal and wider contextual factors influencing the experience of empathy in a custodial setting. The findings suggest that the way in which young people and staff experience empathy in the custodial environment is unique. The findings suggest that empathy takes place within the context of relationships and is influenced by the nature of those relationships, along with the wider social context within which it occurs. Practical implications The findings of the current study support a move away from understanding empathy as an individual personality trait and instead viewing it as a dynamic experience that is changeable based upon the relationship and the context within which it occurs. The findings suggest that interventions aiming to develop empathy should look beyond the level of the individual and the relationship and focus upon developing environments that are supportive of empathy. Originality/value This study provides unique insights into the subjective experience of empathy in a custodial setting, presenting as one of the first to take a more holistic approach to understand this phenomenon.

The concept of ‘illness without disease’ impedes understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome: a response to Sharpe and Greco

2020 ◽  
pp. medhum-2019-011807
Author(s):  
Steven Lubet ◽  
David Tuller
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Medical Humanities ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Behavioural Interventions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Graded Exercise Therapy ◽  
Objective Evidence ◽  
Graded Exercise

In a recent article in Medical Humanities, Sharpe and Greco characterise myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as an ‘illness without disease’, citing the absence of identified diagnostic markers. They attribute patients’ rejection of psychological and behavioural interventions, such as cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET), to a ‘paradox’ resulting from a supposed failure to acknowledge that ‘there is no good objective evidence of bodily disease’. In response, we explain that understandings about the causes of and treatments for medical complaints have shifted across centuries, and that conditions once thought to be ‘psychosomatic’ have later been determined to have physiological causes. We also note that Sharpe and Greco do not disclose that leading scientists and physicians believe that ME/CFS is a biomedical disease, and that numerous experts, not just patients, have rejected the research underlying the CBT/GET treatment approach. In conclusion, we remind investigators that medical classifications are always subject to revision based on subsequent research, and we therefore call for more humility before declaring categorically that patients are experiencing ‘illness without disease’.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document