There is a large consensus concerning the important aetiological role of childhood trauma in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In the current study, we examine the differential effect of childhood trauma subtypes on fatigue and physical functioning in patients with CFS.

One hundred and fifty-five participants receiving treatment at the outpatient clinic for CFS of the Antwerp University Hospital in Belgium were included in this study. Stepwise regression analyses were conducted with the outcomes of the total score of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) measuring fatigue and the physical functioning subscale of the medical outcomes short form-36 health status survey (SF-36) as the dependent variables, and the scores on the five Traumatic Experiences Checklist (TEC) subscales as the independent variables.

Fatigue and physical functioning scores in CFS patients were significantly predicted by sexual harassment only. A significant effect of emotional neglect, emotional abuse and bodily threat during childhood on elevated fatigue or reduced physical functioning levels could not be found.

There is a differential effect of childhood trauma subtypes on fatigue and physical functioning in CFS patients. Sexual harassment emerged as the most important predictor variable. Therefore, childhood (sexual) trauma has to be taken into account in assessment and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.