ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

801–820 of 6,209 studies

Randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy delivered in groups of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wiborg, Jan F, van Bussel, Jose, van Dijk, Agaat et al.·Psychotherapy and psychosomatics·2015

This study tested whether cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)—a type of talking therapy that helps people change thought patterns and behaviours—could help people with ME/CFS when delivered in group settings. 204 patients were randomly assigned to either receive group CBT or join a waiting list. Those who received CBT showed significant improvements in fatigue severity, physical functioning, and overall quality of life compared to those who waited.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of low-dose clonidine on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in adolescents with chronic fatigue: a randomized controlled trial.

Fagermoen, Even, Sulheim, Dag, Winger, Anette et al.·BMC pediatrics·2015

This study tested whether a low-dose blood pressure medication called clonidine could help adolescents with ME/CFS, particularly those experiencing dizziness when standing up. Researchers found that clonidine did reduce certain stress hormones in the blood and improved some measurements of heart rhythm control while lying down, but it did not relieve the actual symptoms of dizziness or improve heart function during positional changes.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredProtocol

Investigating neural mechanisms of change of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

van Der Schaaf, Marieke E, Schmits, Iris C, Roerink, Megan et al.·BMC psychiatry·2015

This study investigated how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works for ME/CFS by examining brain imaging and blood markers before and after treatment. Researchers compared 60 ME/CFS patients receiving CBT with 30 on a waiting list and 30 healthy controls to see how their brains changed and whether hormone and immune markers were involved in recovery.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor combined with dengzhanshengmai capsule improves the fatigue symptoms: a 12-week open-label pilot study.

Li, De-Qiang, Li, Zhong-Chun, Dai, Zhi-Yuan·International journal of clinical and experimental medicine·2015

Researchers tested whether combining an antidepressant medication (SSRI) with a traditional Chinese herbal supplement called Dengzhanshengmai could help ME/CFS patients better than the antidepressant alone. Over 12 weeks, patients taking both treatments showed faster and greater improvement in physical fatigue, general tiredness, and motivation compared to those taking only the antidepressant, though both groups had similar side effects overall.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients].

Lu, Chen, Yang, Xiu-Juan, Hu, Jie·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2014

This study tested whether acupuncture and moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine technique using heat) could reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. 133 patients received either manual acupuncture, warm-needling (heated acupuncture), or treatment at non-acupuncture points as a control. Both active treatments reduced fatigue symptoms after 20 daily sessions, with warm-needling showing slightly better results than manual acupuncture.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Disease mechanisms and clonidine treatment in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome: a combined cross-sectional and randomized clinical trial.

Sulheim, Dag, Fagermoen, Even, Winger, Anette et al.·JAMA pediatrics·2014

This study looked at whether adolescents with ME/CFS have overactive stress response systems in their bodies and whether a medication called clonidine could help. Researchers found that young people with ME/CFS did have higher levels of stress chemicals and signs of body inflammation compared to healthy teens, but the medication did not improve their condition and actually reduced their physical activity. The study suggests that the overactive stress response may be the body's attempt to cope with ME/CFS rather than the root cause.

Endocrine Disruption

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Pain in chronic fatigue syndrome: response to rehabilitative treatments in the PACE trial.

Bourke, J H, Johnson, A L, Sharpe, M et al.·Psychological medicine·2014

This study looked at whether four different ME/CFS treatments—cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), graded exercise therapy (GET), adaptive pacing therapy (APT), and standard medical care—could reduce pain symptoms. Both CBT and GET appeared to reduce muscle and joint pain more than APT or standard care, though the improvements were modest in size. Importantly, these pain improvements happened independently of whether fatigue got better.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Adverse events and deterioration reported by participants in the PACE trial of therapies for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dougall, Dominic, Johnson, Anthony, Goldsmith, Kimberley et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2014

This study looked at side effects and health changes that happened to people with ME/CFS who tried four different treatments in the PACE trial. Researchers found that side effects were common across all treatment types, but people doing graded exercise therapy (GET) and adaptive pacing therapy (APT) were more likely to experience a noticeable worsening of their physical abilities. The study suggests that the high rate of side effects may reflect how ME/CFS affects the body rather than being caused by the treatments themselves.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Pilot study investigating the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome as compared to an online meditation program.

Arroll, Megan A, Attree, Elizabeth A, Marshall, Clare L et al.·Psychology research and behavior management·2014

This pilot study tested whether an online program designed to help people manage ME/CFS symptoms could be helpful for patients. Researchers compared this specialized program to an online meditation program and tracked changes in fatigue, symptoms, and how much control people felt they had over their condition over 8 weeks. The specialized program showed some benefits, particularly in helping people feel more in control and improving sleep difficulties, though overall ME/CFS symptoms didn't change significantly.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Qigong exercise alleviates fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, improves sleep quality, and shortens sleep latency in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness.

Chan, Jessie S M, Ho, Rainbow T H, Chung, Ka-Fai et al.·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2014

This study tested whether a gentle movement and breathing practice called Baduanjin Qigong could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness. Over 9 weeks, 150 participants either took Qigong classes and practiced at home, or waited for treatment. The Qigong group showed improvements in sleep quality, how quickly they fell asleep, fatigue levels, and anxiety and depression symptoms—and the more they practiced, the better they did.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Tryptophan depletion in chronic fatigue syndrome, a pilot cross-over study.

The, Gerard K H, Verkes, Robbert J, Fekkes, Durk et al.·BMC research notes·2014

Researchers tested whether reducing tryptophan (a protein building block that helps make serotonin, a brain chemical) would improve ME/CFS symptoms. Five women with ME/CFS received either a special amino acid drink designed to lower tryptophan or placebo, one week apart. The drink successfully reduced tryptophan levels by 96%, but it did not change fatigue, mood, or concentration compared to placebo.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Isometric yoga improves the fatigue and pain of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who are resistant to conventional therapy: a randomized, controlled trial.

Oka, Takakazu, Tanahashi, Tokusei, Chijiwa, Takeharu et al.·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2014

This study tested whether a gentle form of yoga called isometric yoga could help ME/CFS patients who hadn't improved with standard treatments. Thirty patients who had tried conventional therapies for at least six months were split into two groups: one continued their usual treatment, while the other added twice-weekly yoga sessions plus daily home practice. The yoga group showed significant improvements in fatigue and some also reported pain relief, with minimal side effects.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Agomelatine but not melatonin improves fatigue perception: a longitudinal proof-of-concept study.

Pardini, M, Cordano, C, Benassi, F et al.·European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology·2014

This study tested whether a medication called agomelatine could reduce fatigue in people with ME/CFS. The researchers compared agomelatine to melatonin (a common sleep supplement) over 24 weeks in 62 patients. Agomelatine improved fatigue and quality of life, while melatonin alone did not—and when patients switched from melatonin to agomelatine, their fatigue improved.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in treatment of executive functioning deficits and chronic fatigue syndrome: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.

Young, Joel L·Psychiatry research·2013

This study tested whether a medication called lisdexamfetamine (LDX), which affects brain chemicals related to focus and attention, could help people with ME/CFS who struggle with executive functioning—skills like planning, organizing, and decision-making. Twenty-six participants took either the medication or a placebo for 6 weeks, and those on LDX showed significantly better improvements in executive functioning, fatigue, and pain compared to placebo.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Mediators of the effects on fatigue of pragmatic rehabilitation for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wearden, Alison J, Emsley, Richard·Journal of consulting and clinical psychology·2013

This study tested whether a form of rehabilitation program helped ME/CFS patients feel less tired compared to standard GP care. The researchers found that improvements in fatigue were linked to patients reducing limiting activities and catastrophizing (assuming the worst about their symptoms). Importantly, physical exercise capacity (measured by a step test) did not improve, suggesting the fatigue reduction came from changes in how patients thought about and responded to their illness, not from increased physical fitness.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Cost-effectiveness of supported self-management for CFS/ME patients in primary care.

Richardson, Gerry, Epstein, David, Chew-Graham, Carolyn et al.·BMC family practice·2013

This study tested whether two nurse-led treatments for ME/CFS—pragmatic rehabilitation (exercise-based) and supportive listening (counseling-based)—were worth the cost compared to standard care from a GP. Both nurse-led treatments were more expensive than usual care and did not provide enough additional benefit to justify their cost, though some patients saw short-term fatigue improvements with rehabilitation.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Chronic fatigue self-management in primary care: a randomized trial.

Friedberg, Fred, Napoli, Anthony, Coronel, Janna et al.·Psychosomatic medicine·2013

This study tested whether a brief two-session fatigue self-management program could help people with chronic unexplained fatigue or ME/CFS manage their symptoms better. People who received the self-management training reported greater improvements in how fatigue affected their daily life compared to those who received attention-focused support or usual care. About half of people in the self-management group showed clinically meaningful improvement, compared to only about 1 in 6 people in the other groups.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Differences in physical functioning between relatively active and passive patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Vos-Vromans, Desirée C W M, Huijnen, Ivan P J, Köke, Albère J A et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2013

This study looked at whether ME/CFS patients who are more physically active differ from those who are less active in how much they can actually do and how they feel about their abilities. Researchers gave 60 patients activity monitors to track their real-world movement and asked them questions about their functioning. They found that more active patients could stay upright longer and had more consistent activity levels day-to-day, but the two groups were surprisingly similar in most other ways.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Does neuropsychological test performance predict outcome of cognitive behavior therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what is the role of underperformance?

Goedendorp, Martine M, van der Werf, Sieberen P, Bleijenberg, Gijs et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2013

This study looked at whether cognitive impairments (problems with thinking and memory) measured by tests could predict how well patients would improve with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for ME/CFS. Researchers also examined whether some patients might be doing poorly on tests due to not trying their best, rather than actual cognitive problems. The study found that while some patients did perform worse on these tests, this didn't predict whether CBT would help reduce fatigue or improve daily functioning—though patients who weren't trying their best were more likely to drop out of treatment.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Does acetaminophen activate endogenous pain inhibition in chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis? A double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial.

Meeus, Mira, Ickmans, Kelly, Struyf, Filip et al.·Pain physician·2013

This study tested whether acetaminophen (Tylenol) could help improve how the body's natural pain-blocking systems work in people with ME/CFS combined with fibromyalgia, compared to people with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy people. Researchers measured pain responses before and after taking acetaminophen or a placebo. The results were mixed: acetaminophen slightly helped pain thresholds in ME/CFS patients but actually made things slightly worse in arthritis patients and healthy controls, suggesting the drug affects different people very differently.

Pain and Sensitization

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Randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy delivered in groups of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Effects of low-dose clonidine on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in adolescents with chronic fatigue: a randomized controlled trial.

Investigating neural mechanisms of change of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor combined with dengzhanshengmai capsule improves the fatigue symptoms: a 12-week open-label pilot study.

[Randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients].

Disease mechanisms and clonidine treatment in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome: a combined cross-sectional and randomized clinical trial.

Pain in chronic fatigue syndrome: response to rehabilitative treatments in the PACE trial.

Adverse events and deterioration reported by participants in the PACE trial of therapies for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pilot study investigating the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome as compared to an online meditation program.

Qigong exercise alleviates fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, improves sleep quality, and shortens sleep latency in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness.

Tryptophan depletion in chronic fatigue syndrome, a pilot cross-over study.

Isometric yoga improves the fatigue and pain of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who are resistant to conventional therapy: a randomized, controlled trial.

Agomelatine but not melatonin improves fatigue perception: a longitudinal proof-of-concept study.

Use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in treatment of executive functioning deficits and chronic fatigue syndrome: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.

Mediators of the effects on fatigue of pragmatic rehabilitation for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cost-effectiveness of supported self-management for CFS/ME patients in primary care.

Chronic fatigue self-management in primary care: a randomized trial.

Differences in physical functioning between relatively active and passive patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Does neuropsychological test performance predict outcome of cognitive behavior therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what is the role of underperformance?

Does acetaminophen activate endogenous pain inhibition in chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis? A double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial.

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