Editor—Over the years, the ME Association has noted that some of those writing in the BMJ make assumptions about the views of organisations concerned with myalgic encephalomyelitis. These assumptions concern the organisations’ views about the aetiology and treatment of the disease. We wish to put the record straight as regards the position of the ME Association. We do not regard the mind-body issue as clear cut. We accept that, as in any long term disabling illness, symptoms will include both physical and psychological components, and we make this clear in our literature. We find unacceptable the often voiced assumption that our views on aetiology and treatment are coloured by prejudice against psychological illness or a wish to stigmatise such illnesses as less valid than physical illness. All illness, whatever the cause, is legitimate, and patients with that illness are worthy of respect and acceptance.
You can read the rest of this article here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2127598/pdf/9361555.pdf
Source: Hume M. Chronic fatigue syndrome in children. All studies must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny. BMJ. 1997 Oct 11;315(7113):949. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2127598/