Table 2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion critera:

 • Aged 18 through 65 years

 • Being on at least 50% sick-leave at the interview. Sick-leave for a maximum of one year if on full-time sick leave at the interview, or for a maximum of three years if on part-time sick leave at the interview

 • Body mass index (BMI) of between 18 and 26

 • Meets the diagnostic criteria for Exhaustion Syndrome from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, ICD 10 code; F43.8A

Exclusion criteria:

 • Having other diseases that could give similar symptoms or hamper recovery

 • Not speaking Swedish well enough and not being well enough to participate in the study interventions

 • Using medication, including medication containing glucocorticoids. Exceptions: antidepressants, sedatives, contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. The patients were asked to take the same prescribed doses at both assessment times.