Management advice for children with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic study of information from the internet

Using the internet to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in adolescence: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Adolescents are increasingly using online resources for health purposes. Previous studies suggest that online provision of information about chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is neither balanced nor consistent with evidence-based practice. However, little is known about how adolescents with CFS/ME use the internet for their condition and whether this is helpful or harmful.

METHODS

Nine indepth, semistructured, qualitative interviews were conducted with young people (aged 12-17) recruited from a specialist paediatric CFS/ME service. Interviews explored the types of online resources accessed, motivations for doing so and how resource use related to patterns of coping.

RESULTS

Around the time of diagnosis, participants focused on gathering facts about CFS/ME and therefore used official resources (eg, National Health Service sites) that were considered reliable. This transitioned to exploring patient-led and peer-led spaces: health forums, Facebook and YouTube. Participants accessed these regularly, over the long term, and valued these sites for the personal stories, emotional content and interactive technology. Patient-led and peer-led sites supported coping, encouraging active behavioural management, providing social support and addressing stigmatised aspects of the condition. CFS/ME put a strain on normal adolescent life, such as identity and friendships. Online resources allowed participants to adapt and maintain a sense of normality.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents who use the internet find online resources helpful in seeking information and social support for their condition. Healthcare services should improve their online resources to meet the needs of younger users, providing evidence-based content in ways that are relevant to adolescents and that can meet the needs for social support, as well as providing information.

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome in children

Certain areas of child and adolescent mental health generate a degree of polarised debate, both within and outside the profession. Media attention, the development of self-help groups and the Internet lead to the publishing of papers and opinion, which exist alongside peer-reviewed research and evidence-based medicine. Parents reading such material may find it hard to know what advice is best. One area that falls into this category is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Evaluation of a Community Based Management Programme for Adolescents and their Families

BACKGROUND

  Young people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), families and clinicians may differ in their attributions about CFS and consequently in their approach to treatment. Research that clarifies the best treatment approaches is clearly needed. We have sought to develop a model that engages young people and their families in a collaborative way. The approach adopts an optimistic and holistic stance using an active rehabilitation model paying attention to the integrated nature of the physiological and psychological aspects of the illness.

METHOD

  This small study set out to evaluate this approach from a service user perspective. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with young people and their parents separately in order to elicit their views on key treatment elements and their perceived degree of recovery.

RESULTS

  Improvements are indicated in all key areas addressed and qualitative information suggests that families value this approach.

CONCLUSION

  Further research is needed to address treatment issues for families who choose not to opt into the service model.