The role of emotions in the perpetuation of symptoms and disability in chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review literature that examines the role of emotion in the perpetuation of symptoms and disability in adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Aims: i) To develop a narrative based synthesis of literature that examines the relationship between emotion and symptoms/functioning in adult CFS patients. ii) To identify any effect of emotion processing in improving symptoms and function in adult CFS patients. Methods: Sample characteristics of studies: • examination of relationship of emotion and CFS symptoms and function • validated measures of fatigue, functioning and emotion expression/inhibition • use of CDC or Oxford case definition of CFS These characteristics are required in order to explore and compare outcomes between studies and to ensure quality and evidence based conclusions. Data will be extracted and quality assessed as follows: Criteria used to diagnose CFS, study design, sample characteristics; intervention description; main outcomes with validated measures; effect sizes; quality assessment rating. Expected Results: i) Emotion related factors will be identified and their impact on symptoms and functioning in CFS patients will be assessed and synthesized. ii) Studies will show that emotion processing has an effect in improving fatigue and functioning in CFS patients. Current stage of work: Systematic Review Protocol completed. Discussion: It is expected that a key recommendation for health psychology will be that intervention design for patients with CFS should include a component to target emotion processing. This should be elaborated by the identification of the most salient factors to facilitate the processing of emotion in CFS patients.