AHMF

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
From the President
RL:EM

24th April, 2002

Ms Christine Hunter
Board of Directors
Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation
PO Box 2093
BOWRAL NSW 2576

Dear Mrs Hunter,

Re: Royal Australasian College of Physicians Working Group for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Clinical Practice Guidelines

Thank you for your letter of 19th April, 2002. I recognise that there are different views and interpretations relating to chronic fatigue syndrome. The Guidelines were compiled with extensive consultation and an exhaustive review of the literature by a panel bringing expertise from many fields.

As someone who was not involved in the compilation of the Guidelines, but who does in my professional capacity see from time to time people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I felt that the guidelines were balanced and helpful. In contrast to your interpretation, I did not think that there are assumptions relating to psychological/psychiatric aetiology of the symptoms. Statements about management were carefully worded to distinguish between approaches which were based on evidence from those that represented the opinion of experts.

The series of points raised in paragraph 4 on page 2 of your document are subjective judgements, and in my view do not reflect the careful and balanced content of the Guidelines.

In summary, although I recognise the divergence of views, I feel that the document produced by the working group is a valuable and balanced document which will improve knowledge and management of chronic fatigue syndrome. I recognise, as do the Guidelines, that the current state of knowledge is incomplete and evolving. I feel that publication of the Guidelines will be a positive step for those afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Larkins
President