A couple-based psychological intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome [In progress, April 2018]

Andy

Andy

Retired committee member
Background and study aims
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition mainly associated with extreme tiredness that can cause significant levels of disability. Managing life with CFS can be challenging, and people with CFS are at increased risk of experiencing depression and anxiety, with their partners also reporting higher rates of emotional distress. Relationships can interact with physical and mental health in several ways. For example, distressed relationships can increase the risk of depression and other health problems. Conversely, partners and family members can offer valuable support both on an emotional level and in promoting health-related lifestyle changes.

There is evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (a type of talking therapy) can help people with CFS to manage their symptoms. However, fatigue and other symptoms experienced by this patient group can make CBT, which is quite an ‘active’ therapy, quite difficult to engage in.For these reasons, it is believed that involving partners in a constructive manner in a psychological intervention for patients affected by CFS could enhance the effectiveness of the intervention and prove beneficial to partners. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a cognitive behavioural couple-based therapy (CBCT) for people with CFS and their partners to explore the effectiveness of the intervention in a group of 10 couples.

What does the study involve?
Patients referred to the service with a diagnosis of CFS and who are in a committed relationship will be invited to participate. After a telephone interview, eligible couples are offered a course of 12-15 sessions of CBCT. Participants are asked to complete questionnaire assessments before therapy starts and at the end of therapy, and also six months after the end of therapy.
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Link to trial details here
 
:(:( This just sounds so ominous.

The message:

"You are so dysfunctional, you can't be trusted to do what's best for you (and of course, we do know what's best for you). We will whisper in the ears of your nearest and dearest, so they can make sure you do exactly as you're told".
 
Woolie said:
:(:( This just sounds so ominous.

The message:

"You are so dysfunctional, you can't be trusted to do what's best for you (and of course, we do know what's best for you). We will whisper in the ears of your nearest and dearest, so they can make sure you do exactly as you're told".
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I think that partners will be declared dysfunctional and illness belief reinforcing once this approach fails to work. The reason patients don't engage with CBT is because it's the wrong treatment and partners will likely start viewing it that way too. Unfortunately it could also harm the relationship. :(

I can already picture the researchers announcing how they've made the astonishing discovery that partners are part of the illness perpetuation process.
 
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This idea sounds incredibly lame and not-thought-out (as is usual with this sort of thing). I haven't heard of Dr Marion Cuddy, their primary contact. Does she have any experience/previous track record with ME/CFS?

adambeyoncelowe said:
I'm tempted to enrol just so my partner can call them all quacks while I make duck noises.
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Yes, this! Almost tempting (but not enough), LOL.
 
EzzieD said:
This idea sounds incredibly lame and not-thought-out (as is usual with this sort of thing). I haven't heard of Dr Marion Cuddy, their primary contact. Does she have any experience/previous track record with ME/CFS?
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I'm going to assume that she's a different one to "Marion Cuddy Knitwear"

Looking at the research tab here, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marion_Cuddy, up to 1997 she was involved in biomedical research of various types, between then and 2001, she switches to psych research, but short answer, no, she has no track record of ME/CFS research.
 
Andy said:
I'm going to assume that she's a different one to "Marion Cuddy Knitwear"

Looking at the research tab here, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marion_Cuddy, up to 1997 she was involved in biomedical research of various types, between then and 2001, she switches to psych research, but short answer, no, she has no track record of ME/CFS research.
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TBH, the knitwear lady would probably do just as well (especially if she wears one of her own blue cardigans while carrying out the therapy). In your link, it shows that Dr Cuddy is at Kings College London. It appears that despite PACE's failure at providing any objective evidence of CBT as curative for CFS, that lot are determined to carry on regardless...
 
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