The M.E. Association and Action for M.E. have published updates on work by a group of psychologists who are creating new guidelines on M.E. for the British Psychological Society. The BPS is the professional organisation of psychologists in the UK.
These planned new guidelines will offer advice and best practice to all psychologists who work with people who have M.E./C.F.S.
Who might this help?
This work aims to improve understanding of M.E. in a profession that has been torn by misinformation and confusion on this illness.
The new guidelines, once complete, could greatly improve the lives of many people. For example:
- children with M.E. who encounter Educational Psychologists as part of school referrals for non-attendance due to suspected psychosomatic illness.
- patients referred to psychologists when there is a biomedical cause for their apparently emotion-based symptoms, eg anxiety. This can happen with POTS or neurological symptoms of M.E. A prompt and informed referral back to a GP, with a recommendation to test for autonomic dysfunction, could help many patients.
- people with M.E. who seek support with associated emotional problems. They need someone who understands that psychology is not a cure or treatment for the underlying biomedical condition, yet who can offer knowledgeable support with coping.
- families relying on expert witnesses in child protection proceedings involving a child with M.E.,
- individuals with M.E. relying on expert witnesses in employment tribunal cases
Training and education of a new generation of psychologists
Continuous professional development based on an updated guideline could change attitudes within this important profession. Teaching materials could explain how Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has been mis-used in the context of M.E. and this could help change attitudes. Training could challenge the widespread belief that M.E. is caused by trauma, deconditioning (etc) by sharing evidence from medical research. It could caution psychologists about the risk of over-reach.
Psychologists could learn ways to support pacing strategies and give genuinely useful advice to people on this topic. This is particularly important in the early days after diagnosis when advice and information can potentially prevent deterioration.
Useful links about work on this new guideline
Read the full update here:
Action for ME (UK) has published an update and press release about this work.
We’re deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from the ME/CFS community, charities, and professionals who share our commitment to improving psychological care for people living with ME/CFS. The guidelines will make it very clear that ME/CFS is a physical illness. The guidance is to support people with the psychological impact of living with a long-term, debilitating, physical condition.
The ME Association (UK) has published a news post about this on their website.
Psychologists and other professionals who have developed a keen understanding of ME/CFS or a willingness to learn can play an important role in helping us live better lives. The BPS good practice guidelines are an opportunity to ensure that even more psychologists can have a good grounding in this condition and improve the care that they provide.
Russell Fleming, ME Association, speaking about his involvement
Photo at top of page by Alicia Christin Gerald on Unsplash
