Study designs of evaluations included in the review
The inclusion criteria were not specified in terms of study design. The included studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled clinical trials, uncontrolled case series and case reports. The review did not describe the case reports in detail.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of psychological treatment and cognitive rehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. The included studies used the following components, either alone or in combination: cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), cognitive rehabilitation, graded exercise, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programme, electroencephalogram biofeedback, fasting therapy, patient education, self-hypnosis, vocational therapy, counselling, support groups and relaxation. The treatments were carried out with individuals, groups, or with partners or relatives.
Participants included in the review
Studies of adult patients with CTE, CFS or WAD were eligible for inclusion. All the randomised controlled trials of CFS used the UK or US-CDC (Center for Disease Control) criteria for CFS.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies that presented experimental data were eligible for inclusion. The included studies assessed cognitive measures, medical care use, drug use, neurophysiological measures, physical measures, psychological measures, quality of life, patient satisfaction and return to work. The duration of follow-up, where reported, ranged from none to 7 years.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently selected the studies for inclusion. There was full agreement between reviewers.