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Fatigue-Reducing Psychological Therapy

Cochrane; 2017 Jul 14; Poort, Peters, et al

Publish date:: August 1, 2017

There is little proof that psychosocial interventions reduce fatigue in adults with incurable cancer receiving palliative care, according to a Cochrane review of 12 studies. Among the findings:

Psychological therapies did not reduce tiredness when assessed right after the intervention.
Very low-quality evidence suggests that psychological therapies may improve physical functioning directly following the intervention and may improve tiredness at first follow-up.
There is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychosocial therapies in improving other domains of functioning.
Side effects in patients receiving psychological therapy and those given usual care are similar.

Citation:

Poort H, Peters M, Bleijenberg G, et al. Psychosocial interventions for fatigue during cancer treatment with palliative intent. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD012030. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012030.pub2.

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