A couple-based psychological intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome

A couple-based psychological intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN16045700

Enrollment

Registered

2017-10-12

Start date

2017-11-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2020-02-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic fatigue syndrome Nervous System Diseases

Interventions

Patients referred to the service with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and who are in a committed relationship are invited to participate. Participants referred or who se

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) made by a GP or other appropriate health professional. The research team will check that a) the participant has had the relevant medical tests to rule out alternative diagnoses in line with the NICE guidelines for CFS, and b) that the participant's symptoms meet the Oxford criteria for CFS. 2. Patient must be in a committed relationship with a duration of at least 6 months 3. Patient and partner must be willing to engage in a couple-based intervention 4. Over 18 years of age

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Primary alcohol or drug misuse problem 2. Current psychotic illness 3. Insufficient command of the English language to be able to engage in therapy 4. Illness severity (CFS or other) that would prevent regular attendance of therapy sessions in an outpatient setting 5. Risk to self or others that would be difficult to manage in a primary care setting

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Fatigue is measured using the Chalder Fatigue Scale at baseline, start of therapy, end of therapy and six months 2. Daily functioning is measured using the Work & Social Adjustment Scale at baseline, start of therapy, at every treatment session, the end of therapy and six month follow up 3. Anxiety and depression is measured using the Beck Depression Inventory at baseline, start of therapy, end of therapy and six month follow up; the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment, and the Patient Health Questionnaire are administered at baseline, start of therapy, at every treatment session, the end of therapy and six month follow up 4. Relationship satisfaction is measured using the Couple Satisfaction Index at baseline, start of therapy, at every treatment session, the end of therapy and six month follow up	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Fatigue is measured using the Chalder Fatigue Scale at baseline, start of therapy, end of therapy and six months 2. Daily functioning is measured using the Work & Social Adjustment Scale at baseline, start of therapy, at every treatment session, the end of therapy and six month follow up 3. Anxiety and depression is measured using the Beck Depression Inventory at baseline, start of therapy, end of therapy and six month follow up; the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment, and the Patient Health Questionnaire are administered at baseline, start of therapy, at every treatment session, the end of therapy and six month follow up 4. Relationship satisfaction is measured using the Couple Satisfaction Index at baseline, start of therapy, at every treatment session, the end of therapy and six month follow up

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
There are no secondary outcome measures.	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026