1. To determine the efficacy of web-based CBT for adolescents with CFS;2. To determine which factors contribute to this efficacy;
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
chronisch vermoeidheid syndroom
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
1. School presence, expressed in attended hours / obliged hours * 100%;
2. Subjective fatigue, measured with the subjective fatigue scale of the CIS-20;
3. Physical functioning, measured with the physical functioning scale of the
CHQ and with an actometer.
Secondary outcome
Self-rated improvement, measured using a short questionnaire consisting of 3
items.
Background summary
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is increasingly recognized as a cause of
disability and inactivity in adolescents in the Netherlands. CFS is
characterized by unexplained chronic fatigue lasting more than 6 months.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be effective in two-thirds of
these adolescents. CBT availability though is limited and requires special
therapeutic skills not always readily available in the region. Furthermore,
research on predisposing factors has been insufficient. An alternative to the
face-to-face CBT is FITNET, a web-based therapeutic program aimed at
adolescents known with CFS, and their parents. This different CBT approach
appeals to the modern youth, who grow up with the Internet as their major
information source. A web-based program offers the opportunity to lower
thresholds for accepting and realization of healthcare. This treatment can be
activated by the patient at any chosen time. The communication between patient
and therapist can elapse asynchronously. This web-based program would greatly
increase the therapeutic accessibility and commit to the needs and
possibilities of modern day adolescents.
Study objective
1. To determine the efficacy of web-based CBT for adolescents with CFS;
2. To determine which factors contribute to this efficacy;
Study design
This research program will determine the efficacy of FITNET for adolescents
with CFS in a randomized controlled trial, in which FITNET-intervention is
compared with a waiting list condition. After 6 months, the second group will
have access to the FITNET program.
Intervention
FITNET is designed by the UMC Utrecht in collaboration with the UMC St.
Radboud. FITNET is a web portal accessible to patients and both parents. The
program consists of a psycho-educational and a cognitive behavorial treatment
(CBT) section. The CBT section consists of 21 modules, accessible upon
activation by the therapist. Self-education using comprehensive assignments and
personal diaries are the main elements of these modules. The therapist has
access to the diaries and views the answers on the assignents. The patient will
receive weekly feedback from the therapist. Meanwhile, the parents will follow
a parallel program.
Study burden and risks
Burden: 3 times visit to the hospital (total time spent in het hospital 3 x 1/2
hour = 1 1/2 hours) (without the travel time)
Risk: no
Postbus 85090
3508 AB Utrecht
NL
Postbus 85090
3508 AB Utrecht
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Adolescents (12-18 yr)
Diagnosis CFS according to the CDC-criteria (Fukuda 1994)
Minimal score 40 on the 'Fatigue severity subscale* of the CIS-20
Maximum score 65 on the 'Physical functioning* (Child Health Questionnaire)
Exclusion criteria
Anxiety score >= 44 on the Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children
Depression score >= 15 on the Children*s Depression Inventory
No availability of computer with Internet possibility
Inadequate control of Dutch language by child or parent
Suicidal risk
Cognitive retardation
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| Other | CCT-NAPN-16700 |
| CCMO | NL18705.041.07 |