Author: Wijenberg ML1,2, Stapert SZ1,2, Köhler S3, Bol Y4
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
<sup>2</sup>Department of Medical Psychology/Academic MS Center Limburg, Zuyderland Medical Center, PO Box 5500, 6130 MB, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands.
<sup>3</sup>Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
<sup>4</sup>Department of Medical Psychology/Academic MS Center Limburg, Zuyderland Medical Center, PO Box 5500, 6130 MB, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands. y.bol@zuyderland.nl.
Conference/Journal: J Behav Med.
Date published: 2016 May 28
Other:
Word Count: 171
Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but its pathogenesis is still poorly understood and consequently evidence-based treatment options are limited. Bol et al. (J Behav Med 33(5):355-363, 2010) suggested a new model, which explains fatigue in MS from a biopsychosocial perspective, including cognitive-behavioral factors. For purposes of generalization to clinical practice, cross-validation of this model in another sample of 218 patients with MS was performed using structural equation modeling. Path analysis indicated a close and adequate global fit (RMSEA = 0.053 and CFI = 0.992). The cross-validated model indicates a significant role for disease severity, depression and a fear-avoidance cycle in explaining MS-related fatigue. Modifiable factors, such as depression and catastrophizing thoughts, propose targets for treatment options. Our findings are in line with recent evidence for the effectiveness of a new generation of cognitive behavioral therapy, including acceptance and mindfulness-based interventions, and provide a theoretical framework for treating fatigue in MS.
KEYWORDS: Biopsychosocial model; Catastrophizing; Fatigue; Multiple sclerosis; Physical disability; Structural equation modelling
PMID: 27236455 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]