Chronic fatigue syndrome: Using cognitive-behavioral therapy

Why is this therapy helpful?

The people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who have the best chance of improvement are those who remain as active as possible and who seek to have some control over their illness. A therapist can help you do that. For example, you may believe that any activity that causes fatigue will make your illness worse. You may be afraid to expend energy for fear of having a relapse.

Because a cognitive-behavioral therapist helps you work on your thinking patterns and on the way you react to problems, you can learn to let go of beliefs and fears about CFS that may be contributing to inactivity and despair. With therapy, you can learn how to calm your mind and your body so that you can feel better, think more clearly, and make better decisions.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Any activity that makes you tired should be avoided because it will only make your illness worse.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: May 15, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
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