NICE paused the publication of a new ME/CFS guideline the day before it was due after pressure from Royal Colleges and NHS England [1].
The hallmark symptom of ME/CFS is that even minimal exertion can cause a flare in symptoms and a reduction in physical capability (a crash) that can last for days, weeks or even months. The 2007 guidelines "do not fit" with patient experience and "perpetuated my misunderstanding" of ME/CFS by recommending Graded Exercise and CBT [2].
Graded Exercise not only fails to improve function but is detrimental to the health of ME/CFS patients and should not be recommended [3]. Patient surveys consistently report that Graded Exercise makes over 50% of patients worse [4]. Some patients become significantly more disabled. The US and a number of other governments have withdrawn Graded Exercise as the treatment
of choice for patients with ME/CFS [5].
After an extensive 3 year review, NICE were going to drop Graded Exercise because of improved standards for evidence and concerns about harm [6]. The evidence review included the 'definitive' £5M PACE trial which was debunked after a Freedom of Information request [7,8].
"These treatments do not work, and worse, it appears they cause considerable harm. There is clearly a number of healthcare professionals who can’t admit they’ve got it wrong and can’t cope with change." - Professor Jonathan Edwards - NICE Expert Witness [9].
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.