Family cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: an uncontrolled study.

AIM To examine the efficacy of family focused cognitive behaviour therapy for 11-18 year olds with chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS Twenty three patients were offered family focused cognitive behaviour therapy. The main outcome was a fatigue score of less than 4 and attendance at school 75% of the time. RESULTS Twenty patients completed treatment. Eighteen had completed all measures at six months follow up; 15 of these (83%) improved according to our predetermined criterion. Substantial improvements in social adjustment, depression, and fear were noted. CONCLUSIONS Family focused cognitive behaviour therapy was effective in improving functioning and reducing fatigue in 11-18 year olds. Gains were maintained at six months follow up.