Chronic Fatigue Therapies Provide Some With Relief
Study shows benefits from certain treatments can last more than two years
Graded exercise therapy leads patients through individualized exercise plans. It can start with one minute of gentle movement, such as stretching, and build up to light, aerobic exercise, such as walking for increasing periods of time. The goal is to get patients to create and stick with personal routines, and not think they're too tired to do anything, he said.
In contrast, adaptive pacing therapy helps patients identify signs of oncoming exhaustion and alter activities to avoid fatigue altogether, Sharpe explained.
The researchers found none of the treatments led to a decline in a patient's condition. However, they acknowledged that not everyone was helped and said more work is needed to find other beneficial therapies.
Another expert said cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone handle emotional fallout linked to sleeplessness and lack of energy -- two complaints commonly associated with the illness.
Cognitive behavioral therapy "may also be useful since it works well for both insomnia and depression, which anyone with severe fatigue is very likely to have," said Dr. Jim Pagel, a sleep disorders specialist and associate clinical professor at the University of Colorado Medical School.
Some health insurance plans cover cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy. Out-of-pocket, one-hour sessions range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the provider and location. Medicare does not list either therapy under its coverage plan, but there are exceptions and special circumstances, so check with your care provider, the experts said.
There is no known cause for chronic fatigue syndrome, which usually affects people in their 40s and 50s, women more often than men. The persistent fatigue can last for years and is often accompanied by joint pain, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, or memory and concentration problems.
The study was funded in part by the UK Medical Research Council and Department of Health for England.