UNE retains 'woman-friendly workplace' status March 8, 2006
UNE workshop addresses Asia-Pacific refugee crisis March 3, 2006
Free therapy for persistent fatigue
March 07, 2006
A research group at The University of New England's School of Psychology is offering free psychological treatment for people suffering from persistent fatigue.
The treatment is being offered as part of a study to assess the effectiveness of a new treatment for persistent fatigue. The treatment involves looking at psychological factors that contribute to persistent fatigue. Those who qualify to enter the study will receive several weeks of private sessions with a qualified therapist.
Persistent fatigue is defined as fatigue that is long lasting and persistent over a period of time. People suffering from persistent fatigue feel tired most or all of the time, and get little relief from sleep.
Constant fatigue can lead to a downward spiral of people's mental and physical health, according to Dr John Malouff, one of the psychologists supervising the study.
“Some people get distressed about being fatigued, which makes them worse,” Dr Malouff said. “They become limited in what they can do. They just can't seem to get caught up on their rest.”
Dr Malouff said the root cause of the fatigue was often unknown, although some sufferers mentioned contracting a serious infection, such as glandular fever, prior to experiencing the fatigue. Whatever the medical causes of the condition, it could be exacerbated by psychological factors, he said.
“The fatigue may be set off by a medical condition, but we think other psychological problems may keep the fatigue going.”
Dr Malouff and his colleagues are seeking another five or six subjects to receive the new therapy. People interested in participating should contact Janette Mills or Sam Bjone at The University of New England on (02) 6773 3777, or by email at sbjone@une.edu.au.
Posted by Leon Braun at March 7, 2006 11:18 AM

