title: Pilot study investigating the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome as compared to an online meditation program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term, debilitating condition that impacts numerous areas of individuals' lives. The two predominant treatment options for ME/CFS are cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy; however, many people have found these techniques unacceptable or even damaging. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for ME/CFS in comparison to an online meditation program in an effort to ascertain whether this tool could be a further option for those with ME/CFS.
  
  
  METHODS
  THIS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CONSISTED OF TWO INTERVENTIONS: a specialized online symptoms management program (N=19) and a control intervention based on an online meditation website (N=9). A battery of questionnaires, including measures of multidimensional fatigue, illness-specific symptoms, perceived control, and mindful awareness, were completed before the participants commenced use of the programs and following 8 weeks' use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences were found in the areas of chance and powerful others' locus of control, and sleeping difficulties, but not in ME/CFS symptomatology overall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The specialized online program described in this study warrants further investigation, as it appears to influence perceived control and key ME/CFS symptoms over time.
authors.affiliation: Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Megan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Arroll
authors.affiliation: Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Attree
authors.affiliation: Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Clare L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Christine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Dancey
keywords: ME/CFS; online intervention; outcomes; perceived control; sleep