Does high ‘action-proneness’ make people more vulnerable to chronic fatigue syndrome? A controlled psychometric study

Houdenhove, Boudewijn Van; Onghena, Patrick; Neerinckx, Eddy; Hellin, Joost

doi:10.1016/0022-3999(95)00008-9

Cited by 78 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…This study suggests that lifestyle change following a stressor (e.g., trauma or infection) might contribute to CFS symptom development in some predisposed individuals. Persons with CFS might have hyperactive premorbid lifestyles and this high "action-proneness" might also be a predisposing factor for developing CFS (Van Houdenhove et al, 1995). Moreover, Clauw and Chrousos suggest that once the individual develops CFS, which can occur abruptly or slowly through viral infections or emotional stressors, there is a blunting of the human stress response.…”

Section: Neuroendocrinologymentioning

confidence: 98%

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Need for Subtypes

et al. 2005

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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an important condition confronting patients, clinicians, and researchers. This article provides information concerning the need for appropriate diagnosis of CFS subtypes. We first review findings suggesting that CFS is best conceptualized as a separate diagnostic entity rather than as part of a unitary model of functional somatic distress. Next, research involving the case definitions of CFS is reviewed. Findings suggest that whether a broad or more conservative case definition is employed, and whether clinic or community samples are recruited, these decisions will have a major influence in the types of patients selected. Review of further findings suggests that subtyping individuals with CFS on sociodemographic, functional disability, viral, immune, neuroendocrine, neurology, autonomic, and genetic biomarkers can provide clarification for researchers and clinicians who encounter CFS' characteristically confusing heterogeneous symptom profiles. Treatment studies that incorporate subtypes might be particularly helpful in better understanding the pathophysiology of CFS. This review suggests that there is a need for greater diagnostic clarity, and this might be accomplished by subgroups that integrate multiple variables including those in cognitive, emotional, and biological domains.

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Section: Neuroendocrinologymentioning

confidence: 98%

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Need for Subtypes

et al. 2005

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“…This hypothesis is, on the one hand, based on the fact that negative life events (often combined with a viral infection or a physical trauma) [10, 11, 12, 13], victimisation experiences [14, 15]and the mental or physical stress of an overactive lifestyle [16, 17]have been found to be frequently associated with the development of CFS/FM. On the other hand, there is ample evidence that CFS and FM patients are confronted with severe psychosocial stress related to coping and adaptation problems, a lack of comprehension by the environment and uncertainties surrounding the nature and prognosis of their condition [18, 19, 20, 21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Daily Hassles Reported by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Patients in Tertiary Care: A Controlled Quantitative and Qualitative Study

Houdenhove

Neerinckx²,

Onghena

et al. 2002

Psychother Psychosom

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Background: This study aimed at providing insight in the frequency, emotional impact and nature of daily hassles, experienced by patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and/or fibromyalgia (FM), compared with patients with a chronic organic disease. Methods: One hundred and seventy-seven CFS/FM patients, 26 multiple sclerosis (MS) and 26 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were investigated within 2–6 months after diagnosis. All patients completed a self-report questionnaire assessing daily hassles and associated distress, a visual analogue scale assessing fatigue and pain and a depression and anxiety questionnaire. Results: CFS/FM patients show a higher frequency of hassles, higher emotional impact and higher fatigue, pain, depression and anxiety levels compared with MS/RA patients. Three hassle themes dominate in the CFS/FM group: dissatisfaction with oneself, insecurity and a lack of social recognition. In contrast, hassles reported by MS/RA patients show a much larger diversity and are not focused on person-dependent problems. Conclusions: Patients recently diagnosed as suffering from CFS and/or FM are highly preoccupied and distressed by daily hassles that have a severe impact on their self-image, as well as their personal, social and professional functioning. An optimal therapeutic approach of CFS and FM should take account of this heavy psychosocial burden, which might refer to core themes of these patients’ illness experience.

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“…In our previous research, we investigated the possible etiopathogenetic role of an boveractiveQ lifestyle in CFS, which we operationalized as high baction-proneness,Q that is, a cognitive and behavioral tendency toward direct action [4]. Maladaptive overactivity patterns may not only precede the illness but may persist after illness onset (e.g., periodic outbursts of activity followed by prolonged periods of rest), constituting an important perpetuating factor [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%