In search of a new balance. Can high "action-proneness" in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome be changed by a multidisciplinary group treatment?

J Psychosom Res. 2006 Jun;60(6):623-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.12.006.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate changes in action-proneness (a cognitive and behavioral tendency toward direct action) after a multidisciplinary group intervention, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET).

Methods: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (n=62) completed three versions of a Dutch self-report questionnaire evaluating action-proneness retrospectively that is (1) before illness onset, (2) before treatment and (3) after treatment. Significant others (n=62) also gave their opinion about the patients' action-proneness at time points 1 and 2.

Results: Premorbid action-proneness levels considerably dropped after illness onset. After treatment, action-proneness levels significantly increased again, although levels remained below premorbid levels.

Conclusion: High action-proneness retrospectively reported by CFS patients can be adaptively modified by a multidisciplinary group treatment including CBT and GET.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Exercise* / psychology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / psychology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Psychotherapy, Group*