How does The Lightning Process compare to medical care for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
In the UK, treatment for children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) includes approaches like Graded Exercise Therapy (GET), Activity Management, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for fatigue (CBT-F). However, about one-third of children don’t recover after six months of treatment, so many families look for alternatives, like the Lightning Process (LP). Research shows that the Lightning Process can help some patients, but it’s not well-known how it compares to these other treatments.
A 2021 study 1 explored this to understand what makes the Lightning Process different, to help doctors learn about other treatment options, and to explore how effective it might be.
Findings
Although Lightning Process shares some similarities with standard treatments, it stands out because it focuses on language, explains the science behind the method and the brain-mind-body link, uses specific techniques to improve emotional and physical health, and is delivered in a unique way.
The study highlights key differences in the Lightning Process that could be useful for future treatments or research, giving doctors more options to help children with CFS/ME.
- Anderson EC, Loades M, Starbuck J, et al. CBT repackaged or a novel treatment? The Lightning Process compared with UK specialist medical care for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Fatigue Biomed Health Behav. Published online July 5, 2021:1-20. doi:10.1080/21641846.2021.1935373
