Citation

Wilshire C. J. Health Psychol. 2017; 22(9): 1128-1133.

Affiliation

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359105317700885

PMID

28805526

Abstract

Geraghty's recent editorial on the PACE trial for chronic fatigue syndrome has stimulated a lively discussion. Here, I consider whether the published claims are justified by the data. I also discuss wider issues concerning trial procedures, researcher allegiance and participant reporting bias. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy had modest, time-limited effects on self-report measures, but little effect on more objective measures such as fitness and employment status. Given that the trial was non-blinded, and the favoured treatments were promoted to participants as 'highly effective', these effects may reflect participant response bias. In non-blinded trials, the issue of reporting biases deserves greater attention in future.

Language: en

Keywords

chronic fatigue syndrome; cognitive behaviour therapy; graded exercise therapy; methodology