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Petition · past parliament

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

Closed 5,705 signatures

What the petition asks

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).

Timeline

13 Sep 2017 Petition opened for signatures
13 Mar 2018 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 5,705
Status Closed
Opened 13 Sep 2017
Closed 13 Mar 2018

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.