Tag Archives: psychosocial

Changing Tactics

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

For decades, ME/CFS research and clinical care has been plagued by disagreement over the basic classification of the illness. Is ME/CFS a physical disease, as many patients and researchers insist? Or is it a mental health disorder perpetuated by deconditioning, … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Vincent Departs

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Eagle-eyed Tom Kindlon posted on Twitter last night that Dr. Ann Vincent’s name has been removed from the CFS Advisory Committee roster. It appears that Dr. Vincent has resigned, although I have no information on when or why she may … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Ring Theory

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

We’ve all had the experience of someone saying the wrong thing to us about our disease. “I hate that you always cancel at the last minute.” “You rest all day. Can’t you make dinner once in awhile?” “Work is killing … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Ring Theory

AAFP Follow Up

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

After the American Academy of Family Practitioners published an article on CFS in October 2012, Dr. Lucinda Bateman and I submitted a Letter to the Editor. Today, that letter was published and the full version is free online. There is … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Puzzle Pieces

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Let’s play a game. Imagine you have a large puzzle that makes an Impressionist picture of a colorful cottage-style garden. You can put it together as long as you have the picture on the box. First you assemble the lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

This. Is. Why.

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I’m on the verge of tearing my hair out, and I suspect I’m not the only one. The American Academy of Family Physicians published a review article about CFS (paywall) on Monday, accompanied by a patient information sheet. From the … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Mental Illness Meme

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

When it comes to press coverage of CFS and XMRV, there is a pervasive mental illness meme that must be addressed. It goes something like this: XMRV/viruses do not cause ME/CFS. Therefore, it could be a mental illness. Patients strongly … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Passing of Dr. William Reeves

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Unexpected news came today that Dr. William Reeves passed away last night. Dr. Reeves was head of the CDC’s CFS program from 1992 through 2010, and was a polarizing figure both inside and outside the agency. Others have chronicled the … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

FITNET or Fairy Dust?

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

There has been much buzz in the CFS community over the latest CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) study claiming astounding recovery rates in CFS. This time, the study is called FITNET, a test of internet-based CBT for adolescents with CFS in … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Research | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Not Just Us

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pension Committee hearing on Pain in America (read a summary here  or watch the hearing here) made me realize something: it is not just the CFS community that has to struggle against psychogenic arguments … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments