Abstract
\nBACKGROUND:
\nMyalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) is a long-term, debilitating condition that impacts numerous areas of individuals’ lives. The two predominant treatment options for ME\/CFS are cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy; however, many people have found these techniques unacceptable or even damaging. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for ME\/CFS in comparison to an online meditation program in an effort to ascertain whether this tool could be a further option for those with ME\/CFS.<\/p>\n
METHODS:
\nTHIS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CONSISTED OF TWO INTERVENTIONS: a specialized online symptoms management program (N=19) and a control intervention based on an online meditation website (N=9). A battery of questionnaires, including measures of multidimensional fatigue, illness-specific symptoms, perceived control, and mindful awareness, were completed before the participants commenced use of the programs and following 8 weeks’ use.<\/p>\n
RESULTS:
\nSignificant differences were found in the areas of chance and powerful others’ locus of control, and sleeping difficulties, but not in ME\/CFS symptomatology overall.<\/p>\n
CONCLUSION:
\nThe specialized online program described in this study warrants further investigation, as it appears to influence perceived control and key ME\/CFS symptoms over time.<\/p>\n
Pilot study investigating the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome as compared to an online meditation program<\/a> by MA Arroll, EA Attree, CL Marshall, CP Dancey in<\/span> Psychol Res Behav Manag<\/em>. 2014 Sep 2;7:213-21<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Abstract BACKGROUND: Myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) is a long-term, debilitating condition that impacts numerous areas of individuals’ lives. The two predominant treatment options for ME\/CFS are cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy; however, many people have found these … Continue reading