ABSTRACT
This chapter covers how chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) presents to the health system and how it is defined, a description of the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model of CFS, an explanation of how this model has been developed historically, and of how it is supported by research evidence and clinical experience, and criticisms of the CBT model. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex and disabling condition characterised by persistent and unexplained physical and mental fatigue, and other symptoms. The CBT literature would suggest that personality variables might predispose the individual to CFS: in CBT terms this is usually seen as patients having unhelpful and ingrained beliefs about themselves and the world and rules about how they should behave. Deale et al conclude that 'cognitive behavioural therapy can provide some lasting benefits but it is not a cure, some patients have difficulty making further improvements'.
