Elin Strand

Elin Bolle Strand, PhD, is a research psychologist and leads the CFS/ME Centre at Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Dr. Strand frequently participates in international studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Dr. Leonard Jason (USA) and Dr. Julia Newton (UK).

EUROMENE
Dr. Strand is a Working Group Leader of EUROMENE, a EU not-for-profit research organization committed to tackling the cause and treatment for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Notable studies

 * 2017 - Unperturbed Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Phenotype and Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients
 * 2017, Norwegian National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME Abstract - Objective: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a chronic, complex, multi-faceted condition characterized by extreme fatigue and other symptoms that are not improved by rest. The etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown; there are no laboratory diagnostic tests; and so far there are no known cures. The condition results in severe impairment in daily functioning. CFS/ME is poorly accepted and poorly understood, and the diagnosis is controversial. Knowledge about the condition is scarce, and many patients have experienced misbelief. Methods: Making the diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate care. The Ministry of Health and Care Services decided to establish a National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME in 2011, and the Advisory Unit was established at Oslo University Hospital (OUS) in 2012. It is based in the Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine. The National Advisory Unit has representatives from the multidisciplinary medical clinic for adults with suspected CFS/ME and from the multidisciplinary team at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences for Children, OUS. Results: The National Advisory Unit has the following responsibilities within its field: i) To build and disseminate competence; ii) To monitor and communicate treatment outcomes; iii) To participate in research and the establishment of research networks; iv) To contribute to relevant teaching; v) To ensure the provision of guidance and the dissemination of knowledge and competence to the health services, other service providers and clients; vi) To implement measures to ensure equal access to national services; vii) To contribute to the implementation of national guidelines and evidence-based practice. The National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME has aided The Ministry of Health and Care Services in making National Guidelines for diagnoses and management of CFS/ME. Conclusion: By establishing a National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME, the diagnosis CFS/ME has been established and knowledge about the disease has increased.
 * 2017, Clinical criteria versus a possible research case definition in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
 * 2017, Effectiveness of a group-based self-management program for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
 * 2017, Energy envelope maintenance among patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome: Implications of limited energy reserves (Abstract)
 * 2016, Comparing the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire with physician assessments: a preliminary study
 * 2016, Assessing current functioning as a measure of significant reduction in activity level"Abstract - Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome have case definitions with varying criteria, but almost all criteria require an individual to have a substantial reduction in activity level. Unfortunately, a consensus has not been reached regarding what constitutes substantial reductions. One measure that has been used to measure substantial reduction is the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Purpose: The current study examined the relationship between the SF-36, a measure of current functioning, and a self-report measure of the percent reduction in hours spent on activities. Results: Findings indicated that select subscales of the SF-36 accurately measure significant reductions in functioning. Further, this measure significantly differentiates patients from controls. Conclusion: Determining what constitutes a significant reduction in activity is difficult because it is subjective to the individual. However, certain subscales of the SF-36 could provide a uniform way to accurately measure and define substantial reductions in functioning.'"
 * 2016, The Relationship between Age and Illness Duration in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating illness, but it is unclear if patient age and illness duration might affect symptoms and functioning of patients. In the current study, participants were categorized into four groups based upon age (under or over age 55) and illness duration (more or less than 10 years). The groups were compared on functioning and symptoms. Findings indicated that those who were older with a longer illness duration had significantly higher levels of mental health functioning than those who were younger with a shorter or longer illness duration and the older group with a shorter illness duration. The results suggest that older patients with an illness duration of over 10 years have significantly higher levels of mental health functioning than the three other groups. For symptoms, the younger/longer illness duration group had significantly worse immune and autonomic domains than the older/longer illness group. In addition, the younger patients with a longer illness duration displayed greater autonomic and immune symptoms in comparison to the older group with a longer illness duration. These findings suggest that both age and illness duration need to be considered when trying to understand the influence of these factors on patients."
 * 2015, Comparing and Contrasting Consensus versus Empirical Domains
 * 2015, Examining the Institute of Medicine's Recommendations Regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Versus Research Criteria
 * 2015, Factor Analysis of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire: Identifying Core Domains
 * 2015, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome versus Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease
 * 2015, From chaos and insecurity to understanding and coping: experienced benefits of a group-based education programme for people with chronic fatigue syndrome
 * 2015, Coping with chronic fatigue syndrome: a review and synthesis of qualitative studies. Abstract
 * 2015, Factor Analysis of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire: Identifying Core Domains (FULL TEXT)

Talks and interviews

 * Jan 19th 2018, Dr. Elin Bolle Strand's speech in Helsinki (Introduction in Finnish, speech in English)