New trial of fatigue treatment

May 28, 2007

Psychologists at the University of New England are seeking participants for the trial of a new treatment for persistent fatigue, following promising results from a study conducted last year.

The treatment focuses on the psychological – rather than physiological – components of persistent fatigue, defined as fatigue that is medically unexplained and persistent for at least a month.

In the earlier study, participants received several weeks of private sessions with a qualified psychologist who worked with them to increase their positive emotions and elevate their mood.

Of 11 people who completed the treatment, seven showed significantly less fatigue as a result. Follow-up assessment found eight participants still had significantly improved energy levels three to four months later, while two individuals who did not complete the treatment showed no improvement.

Dr John Malouff, who supervised the study, said he was excited about the results and that now he and his colleagues were looking for ways to make the treatment more accessible to people suffering from persistent fatigue.

"Like any form of face-to-face psychological therapy, this treatment is expensive and requires the person to turn up to regular sessions with a therapist," Dr Malouff said. "What we're trying to do now is come up with a way that people can get the same results by themselves at home."

Dr Malouff and his colleagues are now seeking 120 people to participate in the trial of a new mail-based treatment, which they hope will offer a cheaper, more convenient alternative to sessions with a psychotherapist.

"Even if they can afford it, most people don't particularly want to see a psychotherapist," Dr Malouff said. "That's why we're exploring this intervention."

People interested in participating in the study should have experienced medically unexplained fatigue for at least a month. Typically, they would feel tired most or all of the time and get little relief from sleep.

Anyone interested in participating in the study should contact Louisa Eastmead on (02) 4457 2070 or email louisa.eastmead@bigpond.com.

Media contact: Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771.

Posted by Leon Braun at May 28, 2007 10:54 AM