Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 2 June 2008.

Health: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Question: My Lords, when I was a student, I had a professor who, when asked the cause of a very difficult disease, would usually reply, ““Nobody knows, tiddly-pom””. I suspect that ME falls into the ““nobody knows”” category. It is welcome news that pathways are being set up to look at this condition and to decide what is to be done in the health service, but how long will it be before the condition is taken seriously and protocols are in place to deal with the very real consequences for patients of this disease?

Answer: My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for acknowledging that for many years there has been a heated debate about CFS/ME among researchers, practitioners and patients. In fact, few illnesses have been discussed so extensively. The underlying issue is whether more research and development should be undertaken in this field not just on the symptomatology but on a diagnostic test so that we can at least plan different treatment protocols. In August 2007, NICE looked at the evidence relating to treatment protocols and recommended cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy, as there was some evidence to support their suitability in the treatment of this condition.

Secondary information