Lightning Process 'could help children with chronic fatigue syndrome', study claims

"Controversial Lightning Process 'helps children with chronic fatigue syndrome'," reports The Guardian.

The story is based on a UK study investigating whether a treatment called the Lightning Process helped teenagers being treated for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis).

The study randomly split 100 young participants into two groups: those who received standard CFS/ME treatment and those who received the standard treatment plus the Lightning Process (LP).

LP treatment involved an intensive three-day group-therapy course aiming to teach participants how to use their brain to improve their body's health.

Researchers found those who received the LP were more active, less tired and less anxious after six months. At 12 months, they also had improved depression scores and school attendance.

However, this therapy is not recommended by the NHS, which currently suggests behavioural and exercise therapy for people with CFS/ME.