Cognitive behavioral therapy and fasting therapy for a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome

Intern Med. 2001 Nov;40(11):1158-61. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.40.1158.

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy temporarily alleviated symptoms of a chronic fatigue syndrome patient but the anxiety about rehabilitation into work became stronger and his symptoms worsened. This patient was successfully rehabilitated by fasting therapy. Natural killer cell activity and serum acylcarnitine levels recovered after fasting therapy. Though fasting therapy transiently increased physical and mental subjective symptoms, the patient gained self-confidence by overcoming difficulties after fasting therapy. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and fasting therapy is promising as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carnitine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Carnitine / blood
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Fasting*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / blood*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / immunology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Subsets
  • Male
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • acylcarnitine
  • Carnitine