From the Guidelines
A cure or definitive treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is not expected in the near future, but significant advances in symptom management and treatment are anticipated within the next 5-10 years, based on the progress of current research. The current treatment approach focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the condition, with some patients finding relief with medications and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based treatments, and exercise, as recommended by the 2021 US Department of Veterans Affairs and US Department of Defense clinical practice guideline 1.
Current Treatment Options
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown significant improvement in health function, health-related quality of life, or physical function in patients with CFS, with a meta-analysis of 29 studies finding strong support for its use 1.
- Mindfulness-based therapies have also demonstrated strong evidence for improving symptoms in patients with CFS, with a clinical trial finding that mindfulness-based stress reduction reduced functional impairment more than treatment as usual 1.
- Exercise, such as graded exercise therapy, can help some patients manage symptoms, but it is essential to implement it carefully to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Future Directions
The complexity of CFS, with its varied symptoms and unclear causes, has slowed treatment development, but increased research funding and growing recognition of CFS as a biological illness rather than a psychological condition are accelerating progress 1. Recent research into immune system dysfunction, mitochondrial abnormalities, and post-viral mechanisms has opened promising avenues for targeted treatments that may emerge in the coming years. The most recent and highest-quality study, published in 2022, provides strong evidence for the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments in managing CFS symptoms 1.
From the Research
Current Treatment Options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue and improving physical functioning in patients with CFS 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Exercise therapy, such as aerobic exercise, has also been found to be beneficial in reducing fatigue and improving physical function in patients with CFS 2
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to be a promising additional intervention for people with CFS who are still experiencing excessive fatigue after CBT 3
- Adaptive pacing therapy (APT) has not been found to be an effective addition to specialist medical care for CFS 4
Expected Outcomes and Treatment Duration
- CBT and exercise therapy have been shown to moderately improve outcomes for CFS, with significant reductions in fatigue and improvements in physical functioning 2, 4, 5, 6
- Treatment duration for CBT and exercise therapy can vary, but typically ranges from 12 to 26 weeks 2 to 16 weeks 6
- MBCT has been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue and improving physical function in patients with CFS, with treatment duration typically ranging from 8 to 12 weeks 3