Coping skills intervention for a case of chronic fatigue syndrome

This case review involves differential diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), clinical depression, anxiety disorders, somatization disorder, and conversion disorder. The case conceptualization is accompanied by a protocol for clinical and psychometric assessment of stress and physical and social function. The treatment plan includes rapport building, grieving illness-related losses, relaxation techniques, cognitive and behavioral coping skills, pleasant mood induction, activity management, social support, and memory assistance. Adjunctive medical and alternative treatments are also summarized. Finally, expected outcomes are discussed.