CFS/ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis) is a disease primarily characterised by extreme exhaustion that leaves many patients unable to perform even basic activities or look after themselves.
Whilst there is currently no cure and the disease is poorly understood, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) have proved to be the most effective treatments for managing symptoms and improving physical function.
Researchers have now suggested these treatments work by reducing fears that exercise or activity will make symptoms worse, and have published their findings in The Lancet Psychiatry.
Two of the authors came to the Science Media Centre to discuss their findings and how they may benefit patients.
Speakers:
Prof Trudie Chalder, Professor of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London
Dr Kimberley Goldsmith, BRC Lecturer in Clinical Trials, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London