ABSTRACT
In this preliminary study twenty-eight heterogeneous Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients were treated with Multi-Convergent Therapy (MCT). This form of therapy has been used successfully for over ten years in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Tinnitus, Hyperventilation Syndrome, Chronic Pain and Anxiety Disorders. This small study was undertaken to assess whether MCT is effective in the treatment of CFS and to examine whether a more extensive investigation is warranted. Due to heterogeneity of symptoms, outcome measures were established on the basis of a shared decision-making process between patient and therapist. One patient dropped out of the study. All twenty-seven remaining patients achieved significant recoveries. Twelve patients recorded a mean improvement on baseline symptoms of 61%, eight patients who completed a Quality of Life questionnaire demonstrated a mean change from 2.4 to 6.3 (out of 10). Five patients reported a return to full normal function and two patients returned to school or work and regular exercise. At follow up nine-months to one-year later all eighteen patients who responded reported either continued improvements or maintenance of a well state. The findings of this study support the use of MCT in the management of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and justify the implementation of a major clinical trial.