Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has been made of the potential merits of removing cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy as treatments for ME from the current NICE guidelines.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is an independent body and develops its guidance based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence and in consultation with stakeholders. The Department is a stakeholder in the development of NICE’s guidance, but has no direct influence over its recommendations. Its revised guidance on the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis is due for publication in October 2020. Registered stakeholders are encouraged to respond to consultations. However, the guideline is also clear that there is no one form of treatment to suit every patient. Treatment approaches will not be appropriate for all patients and the needs and preferences of patients should be taken into account.