CBT and GET: Parliamentary Questions 2018

In 2018, Parliamentary discussions addressed concerns regarding the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) as treatments for ME/CFS. Below are the key points:

1. Adverse Effects Reporting:
   • Questions were raised about how patients could report adverse effects from non-pharmacological treatments like CBT and GET.
   • The Yellow Card Scheme, typically used for pharmacological treatments, was discussed as a potential model for reporting such incidents.
2. NICE Guidelines:
   • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on ME/CFS were scrutinized, particularly the recommendation of CBT and GET.
   • Concerns were expressed about the lack of evidence supporting these treatments and their potential harm to patients.
3. Advocacy and Awareness:
   • Advocacy groups and parliamentarians emphasized the need for better understanding and treatment options for ME/CFS.
   • Calls were made for updated guidelines and more patient-centered approaches.

These discussions highlighted the ongoing debate over the appropriateness of CBT and GET for ME/CFS patients and the need for improved reporting mechanisms and treatment standards.