ReCOVer: A Randomised Controlled Trial testing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for preventing chronic post-infectious fatigue among patients diagnosed with COVID-19

Some of the patients who have experienced COVID-19 continue to have complaints. One of those complaints is fatigue. This is often serious and limits people's functioning. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with severe fatigue that arises during an illness. Behavioral therapy teaches people to deal with complaints differently. Goal By comparing both groups, it is examined whether behavioral therapy leads to a decrease in fatigue and limitations, and whether fewer people become chronically tired after COVID-19. Research design This project examines whether behavioral therapy given via the internet also helps with fatigue after COVID-19. By treating the condition sooner after the onset of the complaint, the fatigue will hopefully be prevented from becoming chronic. 114 patients who are hampered by severe fatigue after COVID-19 are participating. Half receive behavioral therapy, the other half receive usual care. Coincidence determines which group a participant ends up in. The treatment lasts four months, with people being examined immediately afterwards and six months after the treatment. Expected results By comparing both groups, it is examined whether behavioral therapy leads to a decrease in fatigue and limitations, and whether fewer people become chronically tired after COVID-19. Executive parties Amsterdam UMC, Catharina Hospital, Radboud UMC, Bernhoven, Jeroen Bosch Hospital.