Purpose: This document, authored by Margaret Williams on December 27, 2011, critically evaluates Professor Simon Wessely’s article in The Journal of the Foundation for Science and Technology. It challenges Wessely’s assertions about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), focusing on his claims regarding Graded Exercise Therapy (GET), the PACE trial, and the nature of ME/CFS. Key…
Purpose: This document, compiled by Professor Malcolm Hooper and Margaret Williams on behalf of The 25% ME Group for the Severely Affected, outlines concerns about the inclusion of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in the proposed new category of “Complex Somatic Symptom Disorder” (CSSD) in the DSM-V. It seeks to prevent the reclassification of ME/CFS…
Purpose: This document, compiled by Margaret Williams in April 2011, provides insights into the “grey literature” surrounding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Grey literature includes non-peer-reviewed materials such as conference proceedings, clinician papers, and articles from support group magazines, offering critical historical and biomedical perspectives that challenge the dismissive narratives of ME/CFS as merely psychological….
Purpose: This document compiles significant insights and findings related to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) spanning the years 1991 to 1993. It highlights conferences, research findings, and expert opinions, presenting a robust case for ME/CFS as an organic, multi-system disease rather than a psychological condition. Key Points: Key Presentations at Research Conferences (1991–1993): Numerous researchers,…
Purpose: This document summarizes the critical insights shared by Professor Leonard Jason during the NIH State of the Knowledge (SOK) Workshop on ME/CFS in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 7-8, 2011. It focuses on the challenges of inconsistent diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS and the implications for research, clinical practice, and public perception. Key Points: The Problem…
Purpose: This document, written by Margaret Williams on April 30, 2012, critiques the decision by the Leeds ME/CFS clinic to discontinue direct access to immunologists for patients. It explores the implications of this shift, arguing that it undermines the clinical needs of ME/CFS patients and prioritizes market-driven agendas over evidence-based care. Key Points: Removal of…
Purpose: This document, authored by Margaret Williams on January 22, 2012, critiques the biopsychosocial (BPS) model adopted in UK welfare reforms and highlights its implications for individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). It raises ethical concerns about policy decisions and their impact on the health and livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Key Points: The Biopsychosocial…
Purpose: This document, authored by Margaret Williams on March 31, 2011, examines the connection between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Principal Investigators of the PACE trial. It raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the broader implications of the PACE trial’s outcomes on policy and patient care. Key Points: PACE…
Purpose: This document, authored by Margaret Williams on June 9, 2011, critiques a misleading claim published in a Comment by Bleijenberg and Knoop about the PACE trial. It documents efforts to correct the assertion that 30% of PACE trial participants “recovered” following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET). The aim is to…
Purpose: This document, authored by Margaret Williams on January 16, 2012, critiques Professor Simon Wessely’s portrayal of his involvement with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), which he equates with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). It challenges Wessely’s claims and examines the controversies surrounding his approach to ME/CFS research and patient advocacy. Key Points: Critique of Wessely’s Claims and…