Trial By Error: PACE Authors Respond to Monbiot Column with Tired Arguments

David Tuller critiques the PACE trial authors for their response to George Monbiot’s column on ME/CFS, accusing them of relying on outdated theories and ignoring the physical causes of symptoms like post-exertional malaise. He claims their defense of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) perpetuates harm, especially in severe cases such as Maeve Boothby O’Neill’s tragic death. Tuller describes the PACE trial’s methodologies as flawed, driven by bias, and unscientific. He also criticizes the authors’ refusal to acknowledge their approach’s negative impacts and accuses them of cronyism in their academic network.

Key References from the Document
Monbiot’s column highlights the failings of the UK healthcare system in addressing ME/CFS and critiques the Science Media Centre’s role in promoting misleading research.

Tuller contends the PACE trial’s premise—that “deconditioning” and “unhelpful beliefs” solely cause ME/CFS symptoms—is unsupported by evidence.

He emphasizes the harm caused by pushing GET despite its contraindication for ME/CFS patients due to post-exertional malaise.

Tuller questions the integrity of systematic reviews and meta-analyses cited by the PACE authors, calling them products of an insular academic group.

Here is David Tuller full response attactched below: