Chronic fatigue syndrome: Sufferers' evaluation of medical support

Abstract

In response to reports of negative cooperation between sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and their doctors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with sufferers from two different patient samples. Satisfaction with support received and with medical professionals in general was low. Sufferers complained about insufficient informational as well as emotional support from their doctors, and as a consequence most opted for alternative or complementary forms of treatment. In addition, disagreements over illness aetiology and treatment precluded effective cooperation. If satisfaction and compliance are to improve, sufferers will need more information about CFS and more support.