Co-conditioning theory

The co-conditioning theory of ME/CFS was first proposed in 2010 and is biopsychosocial-based theory. Co-conditioning is proposed to cause chronic fatigue syndrome as follows: "after repetitive overwork and/or stress, alarm signal to rest and fatigue sensation may cause in response to an unconditioned stimulus (impaired homeostasis and function) that has been paired with a conditioned stimulus (overwork and/or stress)".

Treatment
A re-co-conditioning treatment is proposed, including cognitive behavioral therapy for "stress, stress responses, overwork, inactivity, and the psychological responses as a result of the familial, social, economic, and educational handicaps" combined with medication to reduce symptoms and restore homeostasis.

Learn more



 * A new hypothesis of chronic fatigue syndrome: Co-conditioning theory