Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: September 5, 2025
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in children aged 5 to 11 years: A qualitative study
Amberly Brigden1, Alison Shaw1, Emma Anderson1
1Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Insights
Treatments for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) need tailoring for younger children. Younger children (under eight) require parent-focused support, while older children (eight+) can engage more in self-management.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Chronic Illness Management
Background:
- Existing treatments for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) lack specific design and evaluation for younger children aged 5-11 years.
- Developing effective interventions for this demographic necessitates a deep understanding of the unique psychosocial context and experiences of both children and their families.
- Paediatric CFS/ME is recognized as a complex and disabling condition impacting young individuals and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives and psychosocial context of children aged 5-11 years with CFS/ME and their families.
- To inform the development of complex interventions tailored to the needs of younger children diagnosed with CFS/ME.
- To identify age-specific challenges and support requirements for managing CFS/ME in children.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with children (aged 5-11 years) diagnosed with CFS/ME and their parents.
- Participants were recruited from a specialist CFS/ME service.
- Thematic analysis was employed to analyze interview data from 22 participants (8 parents, 2 children, 6 parent-child dyads).
Main Results:
- Children aged eight and older demonstrated greater ability to articulate their illness, participate in consultations, comprehend diagnosis, and engage in self-management compared to younger children.
- Parents of children under eight assumed full responsibility for treatment, whereas management became a shared responsibility as children aged.
- Parents reported feeling unsupported in their caregiving roles for children with CFS/ME.
Conclusions:
- Treatment approaches for paediatric CFS/ME should be differentiated based on age, with specific considerations for children under eight.
- Clinicians should consider parent-only sessions, parent-delivered treatment training, and enhanced parental support for younger children (under eight).
- Older children (eight+) may benefit from resources that facilitate understanding of diagnosis, treatment protocols, and self-management strategies.
Abstract:
Treatments for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) have not been designed or evaluated for younger children (5-11-years). The development of a complex intervention for this population requires an in-depth understanding of the perspectives and psychosocial context of children and families. Children with CFS/ME (5-11-years) and their families were recruited from a specialist CFS/ME service, and interviewed using semi-structured topic guides. Data were analysed thematically. Twenty-two participants were interviewed; eight parents, two children (aged nine and ten) and six parent-child dyads (aged 5-11-years). Theme 1: CFS/ME in younger children is complex and disabling. Theme 2: Children aged eight and over (in comparison to those under eight) were more able to describe their illness, engage in clinical consultation, understand diagnosis and self-manage. Theme 3: Parents of children under eight took full responsibility for their child's treatment. As children got older, this increasingly became a joint effort between the parent and child. Parents felt unsupported in their caring role. Clinicians should consider different treatment approaches for children under eight, focusing on: parent-only clinical sessions, training parents to deliver treatment, and increasing support for parents. Children over eight may benefit from tools to help them understand diagnosis, treatment and aids for self-management.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...