A
new study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, posted December 16th, has reported that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who experience major post-exertional malaise have a greater burden of psychological distress than those whose PEM is minimal or non-existent. Of course, this is not surprising. The sicker people are, with this or any illness, the more likely it is they will experience depression or related emotional turmoil for any number of reasons—the impacts of poor health, discrimination at work, lack of understanding from family and friends, etc.
Yet the paper couches these findings in language that suggests patients are possibly or likely responsible for keeping themselves sick. And the authors appear to overlook the main implications of their own findings.
The corresponding and senior authors are from the psychology department of the University of Miami. Co-authors include Nancy Klimas and Mary Anne Fletcher from Nova Southeastern University, in Fort Lauderdale. (In what appears to be an error, Dr Klimas and Dr Fletcher are listed in the author credits as being affiliated with NSU’s psychology department, when the university’s website indicates that both are affiliated with the
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. The journal has reviewed and accepted the article, but it is still “in press” and the available text is the “pre-proof,” so perhaps it is still undergoing corrections.)............
