Abstract
Over the past two decades, a small but growing number of rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have been initiated. The aims of this paper were to review existing literature on these programs, to compare and contrast findings emerging from inpatient and outpatient programs, and to comment on the rigor and quality of methodologies used in outcomes research in this area. The studies reviewed herein varied widely in case selection criteria, program intensity, length of participation, program content, and outcome variables measured. Moreover, many were limited by selection bias, the absence of valid and reliable measures, and the absence of a control group. These limitations made it difficult to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of any single approach to rehabilitation (whether inpatient or outpatient). However, there is some preliminary evidence that both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs may lead to improvements in physical and occupational functioning, decreased perception of symptom severity, improved quality of life, and greater resource acquisitionat least for certain subgroups of individuals with CFS that participate in specific types of programs. Taken together, these preliminary findings support the need for additional funding and support for the development of comprehensive rehabilitative program centers that include both inpatient and outpatient programs with follow-up sessions and ongoing evaluation. Recommendations for future program development and outcomes research in this area are discussed.