New Therapy May Help With Unexplained Pain, Weakness and Fatigue

According to a study published in the July 27, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively help with symptoms such as pain, weakness, or dizziness that can't be explained by an underlying disease

Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is a form of therapy that seeks to improve a person's emotional state and functioning by helping people understand and then change how they think. In other words, people's feelings are due to their thinking about a particular situation. What research suggests that their emotional response plays a significant role in their physical response.

In the study, researchers created a self-help workbook for patients with physical symptoms. The workbook is based on cognitive behavioral therapy. 62 people were given the workbook and in three months, they had four half-hour hour sessions with a nurse who guided them in the use of the book. They also received their usual medical care.

Another group of 63 people only received their usual medical care. After just three months, those who received extra therapy were twice as likely to report improvements in their overall health as those who didn't receive extra therapy.

The results? About 15% percent more people who received the extra therapy reported that their health was "better" or "much better" than those who received only their usual care.

The workbook isn't comerically available but many therapists are trained in the cognitive behavioral therapy model.

Source:
American Academy of Neurology (2011, July 28). New therapy may help people with unexplained symptoms of pain, weakness and fatigue. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2011/07/110727161244.htm