A couple-based psychological intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A couple-based psychological intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study.
IRAS ID
221300
Contact name
Marion Cuddy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with 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) 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, we believe 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, we plan to develop a cognitive behavioural couple-based therapy (CBCT) for people with CFS and their partners, and to explore the effectiveness of the intervention in a group of 10 couples. We will develop a treatment manual based on the current literature on CBT for CFS and CBCT for people with medical problems and consultation with a lay advisory group.
The study will be based in a primary care psychological therapies service (Talking Therapies Southwark). 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 will be offered a course of 12-15 sessions of CBCT. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaire assessments before therapy starts and at the end of therapy, and also 6 months after the end of therapy.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1093
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion