Tanya Marlow

Imagine you__e diagnosed with epilepsy: what would you think if you weren__ referred to a specialist but taken to a psychiatrist to treat you for your __alse illness beliefs_?This is what happens to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients in the UK. They are told to ignore their symptoms, view themselves as healthy, and increase their exercise. The NHS guidelines amalgamate ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, assuming symptoms are caused by deconditioning and __xercise phobia_. Sufferers are offered Graded Exercise to increase fitness, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to rid them of their __alse illness beliefs_.