Abstract:
Background: The aim of the study was too investigate the beliefs of young people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their parents, about illness causes and management.
Method: Twenty-one young people with CFS/ME and their parents participated in an open-ended interview.
Results: Infective causes were identified by the majority of respondents, and psychological ones by a minority. Many highlighted reducing activity and resting in symptom management. Positive and negative experiences of psychiatric and psychological treatments were recorded.
Conclusion: Professionals should carefully explore the illness related beliefs of young people with CFS/ME and parental beliefs in order to agree treatment plans.
Source: Richards J, Chaplin R, Starkey C, Turk J. Illness Beliefs in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study Involving Affected Adolescents and their Parents. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2006;11(4):198-203. doi:10.1111/j.1475-3588.2006.00409.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32810979/