MD acknowledges there is a huge need for "definitive tests and effective drug treatments". He admits he has been guilty of the same prejudices that are still so prevalent (yes yes!! a convert?!), that ME is a very serious,disabling illness with a biological basis and that CBT is not a cure. He also acknowledges that some people just CANNOT increase activity no matter what, and that there is a group of the severely affected for whom there is currently no help at all.
As far as his references to CBT and managed activity are concerned, from what I have seen over 23 years, some people do appear to recover (even if they retain a susceptibility), especially young people, and this seems more likely if they 'manage activity levels' - in other words, pace themselves rather than trying to keep pushing. (I think the words 'managed activity' have unfortunate connotations... a whiff of compulsion or something?) My own experience also tells me that better sleep tends to lead to a general improvement - and for me anything that helps improve sleep is a Good Thing
I agree with @TiredSam that it's a good article - there are other things he could've said (such as adding a critique of 'faulty illness belief' CBT) but he presumably had limited space, so on the whole, yes, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.
And ah delightful irony - I subscribe to PE for my brother in law's Christmas/birthday present. He has been an ME sceptic (though I think he is also approaching conversion) - I shall now point him in the direction of this article..
As far as his references to CBT and managed activity are concerned, from what I have seen over 23 years, some people do appear to recover (even if they retain a susceptibility), especially young people, and this seems more likely if they 'manage activity levels' - in other words, pace themselves rather than trying to keep pushing. (I think the words 'managed activity' have unfortunate connotations... a whiff of compulsion or something?) My own experience also tells me that better sleep tends to lead to a general improvement - and for me anything that helps improve sleep is a Good Thing
I agree with @TiredSam that it's a good article - there are other things he could've said (such as adding a critique of 'faulty illness belief' CBT) but he presumably had limited space, so on the whole, yes, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.
And ah delightful irony - I subscribe to PE for my brother in law's Christmas/birthday present. He has been an ME sceptic (though I think he is also approaching conversion) - I shall now point him in the direction of this article..