HERE IS THE MAIN POST
It is likely that you will encounter a patient that experiences chronic fatigue. After reading your textbook and the Luyten and Van Houdenhove (2013) article, how might you approach treating such a patient? How would you build a strong working alliance? What interventions would you include?
Here the respond to the main post
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According to the Mayo Clinic (2020) chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by fatigue that lasts more than six months and can’t be explained by any underlying conditions. Individuals who suffer from chronic pan likely experiences deficits in sleep quality, memory, and increased dizziness with movement. Furthermore, there is no specific known cause of chronic fatigue. Research suggests that some contributing factors may include: viral infections, immune deficits, hormonal imbalances, and trauma (May Clinic, 2020).
Should I encounter a client who is experiencing chronic fatigue, I will likely follow the three phases of treatment from Luyten and Van Houdenhove (2013). The first phase involves creating a unique treatment, at this phase I am likely to work from a strength-based approach. The second phase involves supporting patients in the process of change. Focusing on one’s strengths can help clients perceive change in a positive light (McKenzie et al., 2016). The third phase involves empowering clients. The strength based approach can also be effective here in that it can help foster a positive mindset towards autonomy and resilience. As such I will closely work with the client to identify their strengths. Research conducted by O’Donnell (2013) assessed the efficacy of a 7-day strength-based intervention for inpatient adults with chronic physical disabilities. 38 participants aged over 60 years participated in the 7-day program and completed surveys prior and post program measuring their levels of distress, life satisfaction, resilience and pain. It was found that those who participated in the 7-day program had a significant improvement in levels of distress.
Luyten, P., & Van Houdenhove, B. (2013). Common and specific factors in the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients suffering from chronic fatigue and pain. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 23(1), 14.
Mayo Clinic. (2020, September 24). Chronic fatigue syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490.
McKenzie, H.A., Dell, C.A. & Fornssler, B. (2016) Understanding Addictions among Indigenous People through Social Determinants of Health Frameworks and Strength-Based Approaches: a Review of the Research Literature from 2013 to 2016. Curr Addict Rep 3, 378386
O’Donnell, P. J. (2013). Psychological effects of a strength-based intervention among inpatients in rehabilitation for pain and disability (dissertation). Prescott Valley, Arizona. September 2
