1017 – Long-term Outcome Of a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a One-year Follow-up Study

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcome of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Method

98 patients fulfilling chronic fatigue syndrome criteria (Fukuda) participated at a six-month CBT associated with GET based on adaptive pacing strategy in a group therapy and were included in a prospective outcome study at the university outpatient Chronic Fatigue Reference Center.

Measures

Multidimensional assessments at baseline, after treatment and at 6 and 12 months follow-up : Checklist Individual Strength; Epworth Sleepiness Scale; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; HADS; Symptom Checklist; Short Form General Health Survey ands Self Efficacy Scale.

Results

After the revalidation program, subjective outcome parameters as fatigue severity, concentration troubles, somatic complaints, sleep disturbances and behavioral consequences of fatigue as activity reduction improve significantly (p< 0,001). The QoL related to health perception, measured in items as vitality, role-physical limitations and social functioning, also improve significantly (p< 0,001). Treatment doesn’t change HADS-scales but the scores don’t differ significantly from a healthy population at baseline. At 6 and 12 months follow-up, we didn’t notice significant decreases in outcome results. Significant improvements correlate significantly with an increase of sense of control of the symptoms (Self Efficacy Scale).

Conclusions

Symptoms, health-related QoL and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome improve after a six-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. The one-year follow-up study without any therapeutic intervention proves that outcome can be maintained. The correlation between the persisting outcome results and the increase of Self Efficacy will be discussed.