A psychological assessment of chronic fatigue syndrome/chronic epstein-barr virus patients

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Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), the current name for a malady most recently known as Chronic Epstein Barr Virus (CEBV), is a medical puzzle that now is a focus of intense research interest. Although the literature is sparse and studies are either anecdotal or based on small samples, psychological and psychiatric symtoms are frequently reported for patients with symptoms suggestive of CFS/CEBV. Cognitive impairment in this population has been frequently noted but has also received little systematic attention in CFS/CEBV research. Consequently, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to broaden understanding of the psychological aspects of CFS/CEBV, including cognition, and (2) to place this understanding on a firmer empirical basis by use of a more comprehensive battery and a larger sample than typifies previous research. Twenty-four subjects exhibiting both serological profile and clinical symptomatology indicative of CEBV/CFS infection were investigated. Multiple measures were employed to tap personality and affective state (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, Profile of Mood States, Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression), and cognitive functioning (Folstein Mini-Mental State, Wechsler Memory Scale). Evidence of severe personality pathology and affective distress was uncovered in this population. It is possible that the elevations seen in scales measuring affective disturbance reflect the endorsement of test items which tap somatic concerns. This finding highlights the importance of cautious interpretation regarding affective disturbance in this population. The cognitive findings present a puzzling mix of normality and abnormality that is difficult to interpret. It is clear from our findings that even more comprehensive psychological/cognitive batteries are necessary in studies of CFS/CEBV patients. Additionally, longitudinal approaches and larger sample sizes will considerably enhance the validity of research and help to understand the lability and chronicity characteristic of this syndrome.

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