Publications

Published Studies:

Hunter, R. M., Paxman, J and James, M. (2017) Chronic fatigue syndrome/Myalgic Encaphomyelitis: Counting the cost.

This groundbreaking cost of illness study, steered and funded by The Optimum Health Clinic, investigates the true cost of CFS/ME to the UK. The full report can be viewed here – Counting the Cost

Arroll, M.A., & Howard, A. (2012). A preliminary prospective study of nutritional, psychological and combined therapies for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in a private care setting

This paper found statically significant improvement in all three research groups, psychology, nutrition and combined at a three month follow up.  Published in the British Medical Journal Open it provides a solid justification for a full randomised controlled trial that the OHC research team are currently working on.

The study can be read in full here


Howard, A., & Arroll, M.A. (2011). The Application of Integral Medicine in the Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, 6(4), 25-40.

Written as a theoretical overview of the OHC approach, this was published in the Journal of Integral Theory and Practice in 2011. The study can be read in full here


Arroll, M.A. & Alderman, J. (2012). Nutritional Therapy in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Case Study. Nutrition Practitioner, Spring/Summer 2012.

Written as an introduction to the OHC Nutrition Department, demonstrating a details case study, this paper was published in the Nutrition Practitioner in June 2012. The study can be read in full here 


Arroll, M.A. & Howard, A. (2012) “The letting go, the building up, [and] the gradual process of rebuilding’’: Identity Change and Post-traumatic Growth in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Psychology and Health, 2012, 1-17

This paper explored the impact of ME/CFS on the sufferers sense of self and identity and how this can change.

The abstract can be viewed here


Arroll, M.A., Attree, E.A., Marshall, C. L., and Dancey, C.P. (2014) Pilot study investigating the utility of a specialized online symptom management program for individuals with myalgic encaphomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome as compared to an online meditation program. Psychology research and behavior management. 2014:7 213-221

A study carried out by Clare Marshall, an MSc student at the University of East London, in conjunction with the Chronic Illness Research Team. This study investigated changes over time in a group undertaking the OHC’s Secrets to Recovery programme vs a control group using an online meditation programme.

The study found significant improvements in participants belief they could change their situation and the symptom of sleep after only 8 weeks.  The study can be read in full here


Arroll, M.A. (2013) Allostatic overload in myalgic encaphomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Medical hypothesis. 2013. Volume 31. Issue 3. 506-508.

This study explored the theory behind what the clinic refer to as the Maladaptive Stress Response and some of the key mechanisms behind this.  The abstract can be read here