Beyond myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) symptom severity: stress management skills are related to lower illness burden

Abstract

Background: The onset of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) typically involves reductions in activities of daily living and social interactions (jointly referred to as “illness burden”). Emotional distress has been linked to increased reported symptoms, and stress management skills have been related to lower fatigue severity in CFS patients. Symptom severity and illness burden are highly correlated. The ability to manage stress may attenuate this relationship, allowing individuals to feel less burdened by the illness independent of the severity of their symptoms. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate if perceived stress management skills affect illness burden via emotional distress, independent of ME/CFS symptom severity. Methods: A total of 117 adults with ME/CFS completed measures of perceived stress management skills, emotional distress, ME/CFS symptom severity, and illness burden. Results: Regression analyses revealed that greater perceived stress management skills related to less social and fatigue-related illness burden, via lower emotional distress. This relationship existed independent of the association of symptom severity on illness burden, and was stronger among those not currently employed. Conclusions: Ability to manage stress is associated with a lower illness burden for individuals with ME/CFS. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in lowering illness burden by targeting stress management skills.

Keywords:

• myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
• stress management
• emotional distress
• illness burden

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emily G. Lattie

Emily G. Lattie is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami.

Michael H. Antoni

Michael H. Antoni is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami.

Mary Ann Fletcher

Mary Ann Fletcher is a professor at the Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University.

Sara Czaja

Sara Czaja is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Dolores Perdomo

Dolores Perdomo is a senior research associate in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Andreina Sala

Andreina Sala served as a research associate in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Sankaran Nair

Sankaran Nair is a director of research data in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Shih Hua Fu

Shih Hua Fu is a senior research associate in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Frank J. Penedo

Frank J. Penedo is a professor in the Depertment of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Nancy Klimas

Nancy Klimas is the chair of clinical immunology at Nova Southeastern University.