Psychological Support in ME/CFS

Bettina Grande's presentation highlighted the role of psychotherapeutic support for adults, children and adolescents with ME/CFS. Activation therapy is harmful, but psychotherapeutic support can improve the well-being of ME/CFS sufferers when activation and stimulation are avoided. Psychotherapeutic support can increase the understanding of PEM and Pacing and support the acceptance of individual stress limits and the handling of frustration caused by the illness. Bettina Grande reported on the conditions under which psychotherapy for ME/CFS can be helpful (e.g. regarding a tolerable length and frequency of video sessions). The core elements of her psychotherapeutic approach are to accompany those affected in learning Pacing and in structuring everyday life in order to avoid PEM. Dealing with loneliness and frustration caused by the disease can also be discussed. Finally, Bettina Grande pointed out that overly ambitious psychotherapy can lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition and that the primary goal should be to avoid crashes and overexertion.