NICE says CBT works for ME, and they say that is evidence based.
Apart from that many patients have been saying that it doesn't work, there
have also been many psychiatrists who have done the same. Dr Stein from
Canada has been mentioned, but in a recent article in The World Journal of
Biological Psychiatry, April 2007, Dr Sanders and Dr Korf, from a
psychiatric department in Groningen, The Netherlands, reported the
following: "The psychiatric and psychosocial hypothesis DENIES the
existence of CFS as a disease entity." Now this reminds me very much of
the NICE guidelines; who don't even mention the WHO listing of ME as a
neurological illness. But please read on, because these psychiatrists have
a lot more interesting things to say: "In CFS cognitive behavioural
therapy is most commonly used. This therapy, however, appears to be
INEFFECTIVE in many patients. The suggested causes of CFS and the
divergent reactions to therapy may be explained by the LACK of recognition
of subgroups. IDENTIFICATION of subtypes may lead to MORE EFFECTIVE
therapeutic interventions." I have put these words in capitals, so it is
easier to read, and as this appeared in April, NICE should have known
about it.
I would think that the best way forward, would be a radical revision
of the NICE ME guidelines, and to do what the Canadians did, and what
these psychiatrists have now advised to do as well. Separate ME from other
illnesses with fatigue, so you can offer those others proper treatment,
and you can start looking for a cause and hopefully a cure for ME.
Rapid Response:
PSYCHIATRISTS SAY: CBT for ME does NOT work
NICE says CBT works for ME, and they say that is evidence based.
Apart from that many patients have been saying that it doesn't work, there
have also been many psychiatrists who have done the same. Dr Stein from
Canada has been mentioned, but in a recent article in The World Journal of
Biological Psychiatry, April 2007, Dr Sanders and Dr Korf, from a
psychiatric department in Groningen, The Netherlands, reported the
following: "The psychiatric and psychosocial hypothesis DENIES the
existence of CFS as a disease entity." Now this reminds me very much of
the NICE guidelines; who don't even mention the WHO listing of ME as a
neurological illness. But please read on, because these psychiatrists have
a lot more interesting things to say: "In CFS cognitive behavioural
therapy is most commonly used. This therapy, however, appears to be
INEFFECTIVE in many patients. The suggested causes of CFS and the
divergent reactions to therapy may be explained by the LACK of recognition
of subgroups. IDENTIFICATION of subtypes may lead to MORE EFFECTIVE
therapeutic interventions." I have put these words in capitals, so it is
easier to read, and as this appeared in April, NICE should have known
about it.
I would think that the best way forward, would be a radical revision
of the NICE ME guidelines, and to do what the Canadians did, and what
these psychiatrists have now advised to do as well. Separate ME from other
illnesses with fatigue, so you can offer those others proper treatment,
and you can start looking for a cause and hopefully a cure for ME.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests