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This petition was submitted during the 2017 to 2019 Parliament

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Closed petition Debate in Parliament the lack of an effective policy for the treatment of M.E.

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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) means "muscle pain plus inflammation of the brain/spinal cord", a chronic neurological illness, but "the majority of patients presenting with symptoms of ME in the UK are still referred to psychotherapists for treatment" (Dr Ian Gibson). A policy review is overdue.

The NHS provides psychiatric therapies for what it refers to as "CFS/ME". These therapies are often ineffective and sometimes make patients worse. They are the result of a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis policy heavily influenced by psychiatrists who are skeptical about the existence of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. It is time for a policy re-think about the effectiveness (and cost-effectiveness) of current treatment.
See: http://www.tymestrust.org (for the effect of current policy on children with ME).

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    This petition will stay open until 13 March 2018.