Chronic fatigue syndrome remains a mysterious condition with few effective treatments. Current therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and graded exercises, offer limited success. This study examined whether methylphenidate, typically used for ADHD, could alleviate symptoms, especially fatigue and concentration issues.

Methylphenidate helped with muscle pain and physical function but didn’t improve mood or mental function. These results suggest it might be a useful addition to treatment options, though further research is necessary.

Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 60 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study ran from March 2003 to March 2004 at a specialized university hospital.

Participants received either 10 mg of methylphenidate twice daily or a placebo for four weeks, then switched treatments. Fatigue and concentration were measured using the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Participants reported less fatigue and better concentration with methylphenidate compared to placebo. Some saw significant reductions in both symptoms, suggesting the drug was effective for a small portion of the group. However, these improvements were only seen in a minority of participants.

A daily dose of 20 mg of methylphenidate was more effective than a placebo at reducing fatigue and improving concentration in a small group of patients. While promising, these short-term results need further research to understand long-term effects.