A randomised, controlled trial of homoeopathic treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome

Introduction

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by disabling physical and mental fatigue. Currently, there are few conventional treatments for CFS. Those treatments shown to be effective in treating CFS tend to be time-intensive, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

There is some evidence that homoeopathic treatment, in the context of a homoeopathic consultation, is effective in relieving some symptoms. This study tested whether effects of homoeopathy result from the action of the homoeopathic medicine or are non-specific effects of the consultation.

Objective

The study was a randomised, controlled, double-blind placebo trial of homoeopathic treatment for CFS, designed to test the efficacy of homoeopathic medicine. Differences between two groups were tested. The groups were: (1) patients that received placebo in the context of homoeopathic consultations and (2) patients that received homoeopathic medicines in the context of homoeopathic consultations.

Materials and methods

The standard randomised controlled trial double-blind, placebo design was modified to incorporate individualised prescribing. Patients referred from specialist out-patient clinics were screened for physical and psychological conditions that would preclude a diagnosis of CFS. Patients were eligible to take part in the study if they met the Oxford criteria for diagnosis. Patients were assigned to placebo or homoeopathic medicine arms of the study using computerised randomisation. Patients received 6 months of individualised homoeopathic treatment. Data were analysed by intention to treat. Changes in health status were measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory as the primary outcome measure. Data were analysed blind to allocation group.

Results

A total of 105 patients were randomised to treatment. Preliminary and, as yet, unpublished findings suggest some modest evidence for efficacy of active homoeopathic treatment over placebo. Clinical implications for treatment of CFS are equivocal; however, the results suggest that for some patients with CFS, homoeopathic treatment may be a useful addition to the clinical repertoire.