Patient groups have strongly opposed the findings of a new study, published
in the Lancet, which has found that more people with ME, or chronic fatigue
syndrome, recover if they are helped to try to do more than they think they
can - rather than adapting to a life of limited activity. Action for ME said
it was surprised and disappointed, while other groups denounced the trial in
its entirety. The strongest opposition comes from patient groups who believe
there is a conspiracy by the psychiatric establishment to brand ME/CFS "all
in the mind" - a mental illness that will respond to psychological
therapies. They insist it is a physical disease, which probably has a viral
cause.
The Guardian, February 18, 2011