Chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia: a “stress-adaptation” model

Abstract

Background: A symptom cluster consisting of ‘medically-unexplained’ chronic fatigue, effort intolerance and widespread pain is a complex and still poorly understood condition. Purpose: To demonstrate the theoretical and clinical value of a biopsychosocially-oriented ‘stress-adaptation’ model for this multi-symptom illness. Methods: Clinical observation and review of the relevant literature. Results: Symptoms and functional limitations of these patients may reflect a loss of normal physical, mental and emotional adaptability, primarily based on stress system dysregulation. Conclusions: The proposed stress-adaptation model may facilitate diagnosis, defy dualistic causal thinking, and offer tailor-made treatment options to help patients find a better balance in their lives

Keywords:

• chronic fatigue syndrome
• fibromyalgia
• myalgic encephalomyelitis
• biopsychosocial model
• stress
• diagnosis
• etiology
• pathophysiology
• treatment

Notes on contributors

Boudewijn Van Houdenhove is pyschiatrist and professor emeritus at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Leuven in Belgium.

Patrick Luyten is psychologist and assoicate professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Leuven in Belgium and senior lecturer at the Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology of University College London in the UK.

Stefan Kempke is psychologist and doctoral student at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Leuven in Belgium.