Hyland, Michael E · Journal of health psychology · 2002 · DOI
This paper proposes that the whole body—not just the brain—can learn and process information like a complex computer system. When this body-wide system malfunctions, it can create widespread health problems distributed throughout the body rather than in one location. The authors suggest ME/CFS is an example of this type of whole-body dysfunction and may require different treatment approaches than traditional medicine typically offers.
This framework offers a theoretical explanation for why ME/CFS affects multiple body systems simultaneously and why patients often don't fit traditional single-disease models. Understanding ME/CFS as a network pathology rather than a localized disease could support more holistic approaches to treatment and research.
This theoretical paper does not provide empirical data demonstrating network pathology in ME/CFS patients, nor does it identify specific control system parameters that are altered. It does not establish which 'subtle therapies' are effective or how they should be implemented clinically.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
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