Solution focused therapy: A promising new tool in the management of fatigue in Crohn's disease patients. Psychological interventions for the management of fatigue in Crohn's disease

Lauran Vogelaar*, Adriaan Van't Spijker, Ton Vogelaar, Jan J. Van Busschbach, Martijn S. Visser, Ernst J. Kuipers, C. Janneke van Der Woude

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Crohn's disease patients have a decreased Quality of Life (QoL) which is in part due to extreme fatigue. In a pilot study we prospectively assessed the feasibility and effect of psychological interventions in the management of fatigue. Methods: Patients with quiescent Crohn's disease and a high fatigue score according to the Checklist Individual Strength were randomized to Problem Solving Therapy (PST), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) or to a control group (treatment as usual, TAU). Patients completed the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the EuroQol-5D, and the Trimbos questionnaire for Costs. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included (12 TAU, 9 PST, 8 SFT), of these 72% were female, mean age was 31. years (range 20-50). The SFT group improved on the fatigue scale in 85.7% of the patients, in the PST group 60% showed improved fatigue scores and in the TAU group 45.5%.Although not significant, in both intervention groups the QoL increased. Medical costs lowered in 57.1% of the patients in the SFT group, in the TAU 45.5% and the in PST group 20%. The drop out rate was highest in the PST group (44%; SFT 12.5%; TAU 8.3%). Conclusions: PST and SFT both positively affect the fatigue and QoL scores in patients with Crohn's disease. SFT seems most feasible with fewer dropouts and is therefore a promising new tool in the management of fatigue in Crohn's disease patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)585-591
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Crohn's and Colitis
Volume5
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Gastroenterology

Keywords

  • Costs
  • Fatigue
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Problem solving therapy
  • Solution focused therapy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Solution focused therapy: A promising new tool in the management of fatigue in Crohn's disease patients. Psychological interventions for the management of fatigue in Crohn's disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this