EMDR as a Therapeutic Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by a new and persistent fatigue unexplained by other conditions and resulting in a substantial reduction in the individual’s activity levels. Current treatment includes psychotherapeutic procedures such as cognitive–behavioral therapy, pharmacological interventions, and graded exercise therapy. This article considers the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for the condition of CFS. The case study describes the use of EMDR with a 49-year-old male client who had suffered debilitating CFS for nearly 5 years despite accessing other treatment methods. After 9 sessions, the client indicated that his energy levels were significantly higher, his need for sleep had reduced (from 15–20 hours to 9.5 hours in a 24-hour period), and he was able to resume employment. Results suggest that EMDR may be useful in treating CFS within a personalized treatment plan.