Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A discussion of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and mindfulness based cognitive therapy

Abstract

Content and FocusThis article explores the acceptability and usefulness of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Issues specific to researching this particular group are discussed also. Both peer reviewed literature and surveys from support groups are considered.ConclusionsThe article argues that mindfulness and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy – an integration of mindfulness and cognitive therapy – may be acceptable and beneficial to people with ME/CFS. Particular advantages lie in a flexible and cost-efficient application. The author concludes that further research into mindfulness and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is warranted in this population. The article also highlights that a representative sample of people with ME/CFS is difficult to generate, and that findings can be hard to generalise.

Relaxation Therapy and Mindfulness Meditation One-Day Workshop for Nephrology Social Workers: Exploring the Impact of This Training on Professional Practice

“…There is ever-increasing scientific evidence to support the efficacy of mindfulness meditation to treat comorbid medical conditions associated with CKD, including chronic pain (Zeidan et al, 2011), rheumatoid arthritis (Zangi et al, 2011), type 2 diabetes (Gregg, Callaghan, Hayes, & Glenn-Lawson, 2007), and chronic diseases that include both multiple chemical sensitivity and cardiovascular diagnoses (Merkes, 2010). Furthermore, National Kidney Foundation Journal of Nephrology Social Work there is a wealth of mounting scientific evidence to support the therapeutic effect of mindfulness meditation on medical conditions, including improvement of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), related quality-of-life and gastrointestinal-specific anxiety (Kearney, McDermott, Martinez, & Simpson, 2011), chronic low back pain (Morone, Greco, & Weiner, 2008), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (Smalley et al, 2009), and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (Dayes, 2011).…”