Search

Background Few studies into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have emphasized work-related consequences, including return to work after illness. Aims This paper explores socio-demographic, work and clinical characteristics that are associated with occupational status among patients who were assessed at baseline and a follow-up point. Methods Longitudinal data were assessed from patients affected by CFS who attended an outpatient CFS treatment service between 2007 and 2014. Employment status at baseline and follow-up was available for 316 patients. Data were also included on gender, age, duration of CFS, fatigue severity, type and number of treatment sessions, coping strategies, functional impairment, common mental disorders and physical functioning. Results Most patients were female (73%) and had been affected by CFS for longer than 2 years (66%). Patients were followed up for an average of 285 days and over this period 53% of patients who were working remained in employment. Of the patients who were not working at baseline, 9% had returned to work at follow-up. However, of those working at baseline, 6% were unable to continue to work at follow-up. Age, fatigue severity, functional impairment, cognitive and behavioural responses, and depressive symptoms impacted on a patients' work status at follow-up. Conclusions The findings indicated that it is possible for people with CFS to remain in work or return to work, despite having had a disabling illness. Work-related outcomes should be targeted in all people of working age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Research has shown that of the myriad services available to veterans in the UK, very few have been independently evaluated. This report presents the results of a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of Time Line Therapy™ delivered by the Warrior Programme (a third-sector organization). Aims This study was aimed to determine if the intervention is effective in reducing emotional and functional difficulties in ex-service personnel. Methods A mixed-design analysis of variance model was used to investigate whether the Warrior Programme had a statistically significant impact on self-reported scores. The intervention and control group provided data on measures prior to and immediately after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Results Those in the intervention group (n = 23) reported statistically significant improvements in self-reported scores immediately following intervention: the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) scores (CORE global distress mean difference [MD] = 45.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 31–60) (CORE subjective well-being MD = 5.9, 95% CI 3.5–8.3) (CORE functioning MD = 16.7, 95% CI 11.4–21.9) (CORE problems/symptoms MD = 19.4, 95% CI 13.1–25.7), general self-efficacy (MD = −9.8, 95% CI −13.6 to –6.8), anxiety (MD = 8.6, 95% CI 5.2–12.1), depression (MD = 10, 95% CI 6.6–13.5), post-traumatic stress disorder (MD = 26.3, 95% CI 17–25) and functional impairment (MD = 11.1, 95% CI 5.3–16.8) over time, compared to the control group (n = 29). However, score improvement was not sustained over time or statistically significant at follow-up. Conclusions The Warrior Programme was effective in reducing emotional and functional difficulties in ex-service personnel immediately after the intervention, but the effect was not sustained at 3-month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]