Advocacy Alert: 05/23/2005 

In the June issue of Psychology Today, which is on newsstands now, there’s an articlecalled “Is It All in My Head?” that reinforces the idea that CFS, or CFIDS, is caused by stress, the mind, or a patient’s illness belief system. All these concepts are integrated into the article.

The author, Melissa Schorr, interviewed Dr. Leonard Jason, Kim McCleary, Dr. Dedra Buchwald and Laura Hillenbrand, among others. All the individuals interviewed no doubt participated thinking the article would be balanced and include current scientific and patient perspectives, not outdated stereotypes. Unfortunately, those interviewed have no control over the writer’s, or the magazine’s, editorial slant and they don’t get to approve how their statements are used.

The CFIDS Association, and many members of the broader CFS community, are concerned that the article actually ends up contributing to the myths and misperceptions that thwart public understanding of CFS.

We encourage you to write to the editorial staff at Psychology Today to register your concerns. It’s easy to do. Just click on “Take Action" in the top right corner of this message. We’ve prepared a draft letter to which you can add your personal comments and/or edit to suit your style. Use the “Tell a Friend” feature to spread the word to others who may wish to write Psychology Today. Your letters will be sent to the writer and top editorial staff.

Your messages will help shape better coverage of CFIDS in the future. Thanks for using the Grassroots Action Center.

Marcia Harmon
Director of Communications
The CFIDS Association of America