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Illness Beliefs in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study Involving Affected Adolescents and their Parents
Author(s) -
Richards Jo,
Chaplin Robert,
Starkey Caroline,
Turk Jeremy
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2006.00409.x
Subject(s) - chronic fatigue syndrome , psychology , chronic fatigue , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry
Background: The aim of the study was too investigate the beliefs of young people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their parents, about illness causes and management. Method: Twenty‐one young people with CFS/ME and their parents participated in an open‐ended interview. Results: Infective causes were identified by the majority of respondents, and psychological ones by a minority. Many highlighted reducing activity and resting in symptom management. Positive and negative experiences of psychiatric and psychological treatments were recorded. Conclusion: Professionals should carefully explore the illness related beliefs of young people with CFS/ME and parental beliefs in order to agree treatment plans.