Introduction
Geraghty, K.J. (2021) ‘The wrong illness: a qualitative study of the experiences of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with the UK health care system’, Qualitative Health Research, 31(2), pp. 315–328. doi: 10.1177/1049732320969395.
Rothney, J. (2022) Breaking Free: A Guide to Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Symptoms. Audiobook narrated by Jan Rothney. Arkbound Foundation. Audible. Available at:https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Breaking-Free-Audiobook/B0C5JYJ977
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2021) Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG206. London: NICE. Available at:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206
Action for M.E. (2025) Action for M.E.
Vahratian, A., Lin, J.S., Bertolli, J. and Unger, E.R. (2023) ‘Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in adults: United States, 2021–2022’, NCHS Data Brief, no. 488. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Available at:https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db488.htm
Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2024) Self-reported coronavirus (COVID-19) infections and associated symptoms, England and Scotland: November 2023 to March 2024. Available at:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/articles/sociatedsymptomsenglandandscotland/november2023tomarch2024
Davis, H.E., Assaf, G.S., McCorkell, L., Wei, H., Low, R.J., Re’em, Y., Redfield, S., Austin, J.P. and Akrami, A. (2021) ‘Characterizing long COVID in an international cohort: 7 months of symptoms and their impact’, EClinicalMedicine, 38, 101019. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101019.
Bartsch, S.M., Chin, K.L., Strych, U., John, D.C., Shah, T.D., Bottazzi, M.E., O’Shea, K.J., Robertson, M., Weatherwax, C., Heneghan, J., Martinez, M.F., Ciciriello, A., Kulkarni, S., Velmurugan, K., Dibbs, A., Scannell, S.A., Shen, Y., Nash, D., Hotez, P.J. and Lee, B.Y. (2025) ‘The current and future burden of long COVID in the United States’, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 231(6), pp. 1581–1590. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiaf030
Wu, Z. and McGoogan, J.M. (2020) ‘Characteristics of and important lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China’, JAMA, 323(13), pp. 1239–1242. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.2648.
Wong, T.L. and Weitzer, D.J. (2021) ‘Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a systematic review and comparison of clinical presentation and symptomatology’, Medicina, 57(418), pp. 1–14. doi: 10.3390/medicina57050418.
Kamau-Mitchell, C. (2021) ‘GPs need awareness about post-COVID ME/CFS’, BMJ, 374, n1995. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n1995.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2024) Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID). Available at:https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition#:~:text=Definition,months%20with%20no%20other%20explanatation
Soriano, J.B., Murthy, S., Marshall, J.C., Relan, P. and Diaz, J.V. (2022) ‘A clinical case definition of post-COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensus’, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 22(4), pp. e102–e107. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00703-9.
Nicholson, T. (2022) New study identifies 12 key outcomes to assess Long COVID treatments. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. Available at:https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/new-study-identifies-12-key-outcomes-to-assess-long-covid-treatments
Costeira, R. and Lee, K. (2020) Post-menopausal women at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. medRxiv. Available at:https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/post-menopausal-women-higher-risk-developing-severe-covid-19
Selvakumar, J., Havdal, L.B., Brodwall, E.M., Sommen, S., Berven, L.L., Stiansen-Sonerud, T., Cvejic, E. and Wyller, V.B.B. (2025) ‘Risk factors for fatigue severity in the post-COVID-19 condition: a prospective controlled cohort study of nonhospitalised adolescents and young adults’, Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, 44. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2025.100967.
Brodwall, E.M., Selvakumar, J., Havdal, L.B., Sommen, S., Berven, L.L., Cvejic, E., Wyller, V.B.B. and Pedersen, M. (2025) ‘Predictors of fatigue progression in long COVID among young people’, Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, 45. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2025.100982.
Naviaux, R.K. (2020) ‘Perspective: cell danger response biology—the new science that connects environmental health with mitochondria and the rising tide of chronic illness’, Mitochondrion, 51, pp. 40–45. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2019.12.002.
(1) Tamburro, G. et al. (2020) ‘Modulation of brain functional connectivity and efficiency during an endurance cycling task: a source-level EEG and graph theory approach’, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14(243), pp. 1–10. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00243.
(2) Boksem, M.A.S. et al. (2008) ‘Mental fatigue: costs and benefits’, Brain Research Reviews, 59, pp. 125–139. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2008.07.001.(3) Krupnik, V. (2024) ‘I like therefore I can, and I can therefore I like: the role of self-efficacy and affect in active inference of allostasis’, Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 14, p. 243. doi: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1283372.
Garner, P. (2021) Long-haul COVID brings long road to recovery. WebMD. Available at:https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210630/long-haul-covid-brings-long-road-to-recovery
Mineo, L. (2017) Good genes are nice, but joy is better, The Harvard Gazette, 11 April. Available at:https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/
Porges, S.W. (2001) ‘The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system’, International Journal of Psychophysiology, 42(2), pp. 123–146. Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0167-8760(01)00162-4.
Chapter 1
(1) Leibowitz, K.A., Hardebeck, E.J., Goyer, J.P. and Crum, A.J. (2018) ‘Physician assurance reduces patient symptoms in US adults: an experimental study’, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(12), pp. 2051–2052. doi: 10.1007/s11606-018-4618-0.
(2) Yeager, D.S., Trzesniewski, K.H., Spitzer, B.J., Powers, J., Johnson, R. and Dweck, C.S. (2014) ‘The far-reaching effects of believing people can change: implicit theories of personality shape stress, health, and achievement during adolescence’, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(6), pp. 867–881. doi: 10.1037/a0036335.
(3) Rakel, D., Barrett, B., Zhang, Z., Hoeft, T., Chewning, B., Marchand, L. and Scheder, J. (2011) ‘Perception of empathy in the therapeutic encounter: effects on the common cold’, Patient Education and Counseling, 85(3), pp. 390–397. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.01.009.
(4) Leibowitz, K.A., Hardebeck, E.J., Goyer, J.P. and Crum, A.J. (2019) ‘The role of patient beliefs in open-label placebo effects’, Health Psychology, 38(7), pp. 613–622. doi: 10.1037;
(5) Howe, L.C., Goyer, J.P. and Crum, A.J. (2017) ‘Harnessing the placebo effect: exploring the influence of physician characteristics on placebo response’, Health Psychology, 36(11), pp. 1074–1082. doi: 10.1037/hea0000499.
(1) Carvalho, C., Caetano, J.M., Cunha, L., Rebouta, P., Kaptchuk, T.J. and Kirsch, I. (2016) ‘Open-label placebo treatment in chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial’, Pain, 157(12), pp. 2766–2772. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000700.
(2) Carvalho, C., Pais, M., Cunha, L., Rebouta, P., Kaptchuk, T.J. and Kirsch, I. (2020) ‘Open-label placebo for chronic low back pain: a 5-year follow-up’, Pain, 162(5), pp. 1521–1527. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001816.
Kaptchuk, T.J. and Miller, F.G. (2018) ‘Open-label placebo: can honestly prescribed placebos evoke meaningful therapeutic benefits?’, BMJ, 363, k3889. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k3889.
Schaefer, M., Sahin, T. and Berstecher, B. (2018) ‘Why do open-label placebos work? A randomized controlled trial of an open-label placebo induction with and without extended information about the placebo effect in allergic rhinitis’, PLoS One, 13(3), e0192758. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192758.
Auer, C.J., Laferton, J.A., Shedden-Mora, M.C., Salzmann, S., Moosdorf, R. and Rief, W. (2017) ‘Optimizing preoperative expectations leads to a shorter length of hospital stay in CABG patients: further results of the randomized controlled PSY-HEART trial’, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 97, pp. 82–89. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.03.016.
Rief, W., Shedden-Mora, M.C., Laferton, J.A., Auer, C., Petrie, K.J., Salzmann, S., Schedlowski, M. and Moosdorf, R. (2017) ‘Preoperative optimization of patient expectations improves long-term outcome in heart surgery patients: results of the randomized controlled PSY-HEART trial’, BMC Medicine, 15(1), 4. doi: 10.1186/s12916-016-0767-3.
Miller, A., Symington, F., Garner, P. and Pedersen, M. (2025) ‘Patients with severe ME/CFS need hope and expert multidisciplinary care’, BMJ, 389, r977. doi: 10.1136/bmj.r977.
Leibowitz, K.A., Hardebeck, E.J., Goyer, J.P. and Crum, A.J. (2018) ‘Physician assurance reduces patient symptoms in US adults: an experimental study’, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(12), pp. 2051–2052. doi: 10.1007/s11606-018-4618-0.
Scott, D.J., Stohler, C.S., Egnatuk, C.M., Wang, H., Koeppe, R.A. and Zubieta, J.K. (2008) ‘Placebo and nocebo effects are defined by opposite opioid and dopaminergic responses’, Archives of General Psychiatry, 65(2), pp. 220–231.
Enck, P., Benedetti, F. and Schedlowski, M. (2008) ‘New insights into the placebo and nocebo responses’, Neuron, 59(2), pp. 195–206. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.06.030.
Lipton, B. (2015) Biology of Belief. California: Elite Books.
(1) Hamilton, D. (2008) How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body. London: Hay House Inc.
(2) Hamilton, D. (2008) It’s the Thought that Counts. London: Hay House Inc.
Robson, D. (2022) The Expectation Effect. Edinburgh: Canongate Books.
Alme, T.N., Andreasson, A., Asprusten, T.T., Bakken, A.K., Beadsworth, M.B. et al. (2023) ‘Chronic fatigue syndromes: real illnesses that people can recover from’, Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 41(4), pp. 372–376. doi: 10.1080/02813432.2023.2235609.
Seligman, M.E.P. and Groves, D.P. (1970) ‘Nontransient learned helplessness’, Psychonomic Science, 19, pp. 191–192. doi: 10.3758/BF03335546.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2021) Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG206. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206/resources/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-or-encephalopathychronic-fatigue-syndrome-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-66143718094021
ScienceDaily (2025) Breakthrough blood test finally confirms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ScienceDaily, 3 November. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205021.htm
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2021) Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management (NG206). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206/resources/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-or-encephalopathychronic-fatigue-syndrome-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-66143718094021
Chester, R., Khondoker, M., Shepstone, L., Lewis, J.S. and Jerosch-Herold, C. (2019) ‘Self-efficacy and risk of persistent shoulder pain: results of a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(13), pp. 825–834. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099450.
Yeager, D.S., Johnson, R., Spitzer, B.J., Trzesniewski, K.H., Powers, J. and Dweck, C.S. (2014) ‘The far-reaching effects of believing people can change: implicit theories of personality shape stress, health, and achievement during adolescence’, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(6), pp. 867–884. doi: 10.1037/a0036335.
Nerli, T.F., Selvakumar, J., Cvejic, E. et al. (2024) ‘Brief outpatient rehabilitation program for post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2450744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50744.
Robson, D. (2022) The Expectation Effect. Edinburgh: Canongate Books.
Hanlon, M. (2013) ‘Scientists under siege’, The Sunday Times, 5 May, pp. 12–19.
Chapter 2
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2014) Transcript of: How Polyvagal Theory Expands Our Healing Paradigm. Available at:https://www.nicabm.com
Myhill, S. (2017) It’s Mitochondria not Hypochondria. London: Hammersmith Health Books.
Naviaux, R.K. (2014) ‘Metabolic features of the cell danger response’, Mitochondrion, 16, pp. 7–17. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2013.08.006.
Naviaux, R.K. (2018) ‘Metabolic features of the cell danger response’, Mitochondrion, 46, pp. 1–30. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2018.02.003.
(1) Cole, S.W. (2019) ‘The conserved transcriptional response to adversity’, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 28, pp. 31–37. doi: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.008.
(2) Kraynak, T.E. et al. (2018) ‘Sympathetic nervous activity promotes proinflammatory gene transcription and cytokine production via beta-adrenergic receptor actions; parasympathetic activity has the opposite effect’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 94, pp. 76–92.
Dantzer, R. (2018) ‘Neuroimmune interactions: from the brain to the immune system and vice versa’, Physiological Reviews, 98(1), pp. 477–504. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2016.
(1) Nakatomi, Y., Mizuno, K., Ishii, A., Wada, Y., Tanaka, M., Tazawa, S., Onoe, K., Fukuda, S., Kawabe, J., Takahashi, K., Kataoka, Y., Shiomi, S., Yamaguti, K., Inaba, M., Kuratsune, H. and Watanabe, Y. (2014) ‘Neuroinflammation in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: an ¹¹C-(R)-PK11195 PET study’, Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 55(6), pp. 945–950. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.113.131045.
(2) Fluge, Ø., Tronstad, K.J. and Mella, O. (2021) ‘Pathomechanisms and possible interventions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)’, The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 131(14). doi: 10.1172/JCI150377.
Lee, J.S., Sato, W. and Son, C.G. (2024) ‘Brain-regional characteristics and neuroinflammation in ME/CFS patients from neuroimaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Autoimmunity Reviews, 23(2). doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103484.
Raijmakers, R., Roerink, M., Keijmel, S., Joosten, L., Netea, M., van der Meer, J., Knoop, H., Klein, H., Bleeker-Rovers, C. and Doorduin, J. (2021) ‘No signs of neuroinflammation in women with chronic fatigue syndrome or Q fever fatigue syndrome using the TSPO ligand [11C]-PK11195’, Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, 9(1), pp. 1–10. doi: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000001113.
Naviaux, R.K. (2020) ‘Perspective: cell danger response biology—the new science that connects environmental health with mitochondria and the rising tide of chronic illness’, Mitochondrion, 51(3), pp. 40–45. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2019.12.005.
Hunt, B.J., Kuehn, R., Fox, T., Carson, A., Scandrett, K., Davey Smith, G. and Garner, P. (2024) ‘Challenging the current hypothesis that thrombosis is responsible for the post-COVID-19 condition’, Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 8(4), p. 102442. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102442.
Peluso, M.J. et al. (2025) An exploratory, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study to assess the safety of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody and response to treatment in individuals with Long COVID (outSMART-LC). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05877508.
Naviaux, R.K. et al. (2016) Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome: Q&A version, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 9 September. Available at:https://naviauxlab.ucsd.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Metabolomics-QA-for-CFS-v12.pdf
Lammi, V., Nakanishi, T., Jones, S.E. et al. (2025) ‘Genome-wide association study of long COVID’, Nature Genetics, 57, pp. 1402–1417. doi: 10.1038/s41588-025-02100-w.
Oxford BioDynamics (2025) Breakthrough blood test finally confirms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ScienceDaily, 3 November. Available at:https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205021.htm
Picard, M., McManus, M.J., Gray, J.D., Nasca, C., Moffat, C., Kopinski, P.K., Seifert, E.L., McEwen, B.S. and Wallace, D.C. (2015) ‘Mitochondrial functions modulate neuroendocrine, metabolic, inflammatory, and transcriptional responses to acute psychological stress’, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(48), pp. E6614–E6623. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1515733112.
Kraynak, T.E. et al. (2018) ‘Sympathetic nervous activity promotes proinflammatory gene transcription and cytokine production via beta-adrenergic receptor actions; parasympathetic activity has the opposite effect’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 94, pp. 76–92; Cole, S.W. (2019) ‘The conserved transcriptional response to adversity’, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 28, pp. 31–37.
COFFI (2025) Response to DecodeME preprint. Collaborative on Fatigue Following Infection (COFFI). Available at:https://www.coffi-collaborative.com/post/response-to-decodeme-preprint
Alme, T.N., Andreasson, A., Asprusten, T.T., Bakken, A.K., Beadsworth, M.B. and Wyller, V.B.B. (2023) ‘Chronic fatigue syndromes: real illnesses that people can recover from’, Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 41(4), pp. 372–376. doi: 10.1080/02813432.2023.2235609.
COFFI (2020) The Collaborative on Fatigue and Related Symptoms Following Infection (COFFI).
Naviaux, R.K., Naviaux, J.C., Li, K., Bright, A.T., Alaynick, W.A., Wang, L., Baxter, A., Nathan, N., Anderson, W. and Gordon, E. (2016) ‘Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome’, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(37), pp. E5472–E5480. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1607571113.
Naviaux, R.K. (2014) ‘Metabolic features of the cell danger response’, Mitochondrion, 16, pp. 7–17. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2013.10.006.
Naviaux, R.K. (2020) ‘Perspective: cell danger response biology—the new science that connects environmental health with mitochondria and the rising tide of chronic illness’, Mitochondrion, 51, pp. 40–45. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2019.10.002.
Naviaux, R.K. (2014) ‘Metabolic features of the cell danger response’, Mitochondrion, 16, pp. 7–17. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2013.10.006.
Shattuck, E.C. and Muehlenbein, M.P. (2015) ‘Human sickness behavior: ultimate and proximate explanations’, American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 157(1), pp. 1–18. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.22698.
Nijhout, H.F. (1990) ‘Problems and paradigms: metaphors and the role of genes in development’, BioEssays, 12(9), pp. 441–446. doi: 10.1002/bies.950120908.
Lipton, B.H. (2005) The Biology of Belief. California: Elite Books.
(1) Cole, S.W. (2019) ‘The conserved transcriptional response to adversity’, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 28, pp. 31–37. doi: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.001; Dantzer, R. (2018) ‘A standardized social stress test increases IL-6 production via increased sympathetic outflow stimulating B2-adrenergic receptors on innate immune cells’, Physiological Reviews, 98, pp. 477–504. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2016.
(2) Freeman, R. and Komaroff, L. (1997) ‘Does the chronic fatigue syndrome involve the autonomic nervous system?’, The American Journal of Medicine, 102(4), pp. 357–364. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9343(97)00087-0.
(3) Kraynak, T.E. et al. (2018) ‘Sympathetic nervous activity promotes proinflammatory gene transcription and cytokine production via beta-adrenergic receptor actions; parasympathetic activity has the opposite effect’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 94, pp. 76–92. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.007.
(4) Martinez, M., Mora, T., Vargas, A., Fuentes-Iniestra, M. and Martinez-Kavin, M. (2014) ‘Sympathetic nervous system dysfunction in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and interstitial cystitis: a review of case-control studies’, Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 20(3), pp. 146–150. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000000093.
(5) Wyller, V.G., Eriksen, H.R. and Malterud, K. (2009) ‘Can sustained arousal explain the chronic fatigue syndrome?’, Behavioral and Brain Functions, 5(1), pp. 1–10. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19236717/
Selye, H. (1936) ‘A syndrome produced by diverse nocuous agents’, Nature, 138, p. 32. doi: 10.1038/138032a0.
Lipton, B.H. (2005) The Biology of Belief. California: Elite Books.
Polyvagal Institute (2025) Polyvagal Institute.
Dana, D. (2018) The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation. Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology. New York: W.W. Norton.
Lipton, B.H. (2005) The Biology of Belief. California: Elite Books.
Wyller, V.G., Eriksen, H.R. and Malterud, K. (2009) ‘Can sustained arousal explain the chronic fatigue syndrome?’, Behavioral and Brain Functions, 5(1), pp. 1–10. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19236717/
Sapolsky, R.M. (1995) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Sapolsky, R.M. (1995) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Van den Bergh, O., Brosschot, J., Critchley, H., Thayer, J.F. and Ottaviani, C. (2021) ‘Better safe than sorry: a common signature of general vulnerability for psychopathology’, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(2), pp. 225–246. doi: 10.1177/1745691620950690.
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2015) Transcript of: Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize Your Work with Trauma Survivors. Available at:https://www.nicabm.com
Shonkoff, J. (2017) One million neural connections per second. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. Available at:https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/brain-architecture/
Heijmans, H. (1998) ‘Coping and adaptive outcome in chronic fatigue syndrome: importance of illness cognitions’, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 45(1), pp. 39–51. doi: 10.1016/S0022-3999(97)00269-1.
Jacobsen, H. and Reme, S. (2025) ‘Mind body reprocessing therapy for long COVID: theory and practice’, Authorea. Available at:https://www.authorea.com/users/938801/articles/1313568-mind-body-reprogramming-therapy-for-long-covid-theory-and-practice?commit=b616d3a483b858da40a009264ddb376cc671c275
Nerli, T.F., Selvakumar, J., Cvejic, E. et al. (2024) ‘Brief outpatient rehabilitation program for post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2450744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50744.
Hashmi, J.A., Baliki, M.N., Huang, L., Baria, A.T., Torbey, S., Hermann, K.M., Schnitzer, T.J. and Apkarian, A.V. (2013) ‘Shape shifting pain: chronification of back pain shifts brain representation from nociceptive to emotional circuits’, Brain, 136(9), pp. 2751–2768. doi: 10.1093/brain/awt211.
Conversation with Vegard Wyller, March 2025.
Boksem, M.A. and Tops, M. (2008) ‘Mental fatigue: costs and benefits’, Brain Research Reviews, 59(1), pp. 125–139. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2008.07.002.
Kube, T., Rozenkrantz, L., Rief, W. and Barsky, A. (2020) ‘Understanding persistent physical symptoms: conceptual integration of psychological expectation models and predictive processing accounts’, Clinical Psychology Review, 76, p. 101829. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101829.
Kube, T., Rozenkrantz, L., Rief, W. and Barsky, A. (2020) ‘Understanding persistent physical symptoms: conceptual integration of psychological expectation models and predictive processing accounts’, Clinical Psychology Review, 76, p. 101829. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101829.
Van den Bergh, O., Witthöft, M., Petersen, S. and Brown, R.J. (2017) ‘Symptoms and the body: taking the inferential leap’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 74, pp. 185–203. Available at:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763416304729?via%3Dihub
Azriel, O. and Bar-Haim, Y. (2020) ‘Attention bias’, Current Opinion in Psychology, 36, pp. 124–129. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.05.004.
Van den Bergh, O., Brosschot, J., Critchley, H., Thayer, J.F. and Ottaviani, C. (2021) ‘Better safe than sorry: a common signature of general vulnerability for psychopathology’, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(2), pp. 225–246. doi: 10.1177/1745691620950690.
Van der Kolk, B. (2014) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York: Viking.
Miller, A.H., Haroon, E., Raison, C.L. and Felger, J.C. (2017) ‘Cytokine targets in the brain: impact on neurocircuitry and behavior’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 74(Pt A), pp. 276–290. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.023.
Robson, D. (2022) The Expectation Effect. Edinburgh: Canongate Books.
Kavanagh, K. (2025) ‘The brain fires up immune cells when sick people are nearby’, Nature, 644(8075), p. 17. doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-00123-4.
Clark, A. (2016) Surfing Uncertainty: Prediction, Action and the Embodied Mind. New York: Oxford University Press.
McEwen, B. and Lasley, E. (2002) The End of Stress as We Know It. New York: Dana Press.
Selye, H. (1936) ‘A syndrome produced by diverse nocuous agents’, Nature, 138, p. 32. doi: 10.1038/138032a0.
Schreiner, P. et al. (2020) ‘Human herpesvirus-6 reactivation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and the coordination of antiviral and metabolic phenotypes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome’, ImmunoHorizons, 4(4), pp. 201–215. doi: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2000025.
Papadopoulos, A. and Cleare, A. (2012) ‘Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome’, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 8, pp. 22–32. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2011.153.
(1) Fagundes, C.P. and Way, B. (2014) ‘Early-life stress and adult inflammation’, Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(4), pp. 277–283. doi: 10.1177/0963721414535603.
(2) Irwin, M.R. (2008) ‘Human psychoneuroimmunology: 20 years of discovery’, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 22(2), pp. 129–139. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2007.07.013.
(3) Rohleder, N. (2019) ‘Stress and inflammation: the need to address the gap in the transition between acute and chronic stress effects’, Psychoneuroendocrinology, 105, pp. 164–171. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.02.021.
(4) Cole, S.W. (2019) ‘The conserved transcriptional response to adversity’, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 28, pp. 31–37. doi: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.001.
(5) Dantzer, R. (2018) ‘A standardized social stress test increases IL-6 production via increased sympathetic outflow stimulating B2-adrenergic receptors on innate immune cells’, Physiological Reviews, 98, pp. 477–504. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2016.
(6) Kraynak, T.E. et al. (2018) ‘Sympathetic nervous activity promotes proinflammatory gene transcription and cytokine production via beta-adrenergic receptor actions; parasympathetic activity has the opposite effect’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, 94, pp. 76–92.
Sapolsky, R.M. (1995) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: W.H. Freeman.
McEwen, B. and Lasley, E. (2002) The End of Stress as We Know It. New York: Dana Press.
Sapolsky, R.M. (1995) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Cohen, S., Tyrrell, D.A.J. and Smith, A.P. (1991) ‘Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold’, New England Journal of Medicine, 325(9), pp. 606–612. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199108293250903.
Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K. and Glaser, R. (1991) ‘Stress and immune function in humans’, in Ader, R., Felten, D.L. and Cohen, N. (eds.) Psychoneuroimmunology. 2nd edn. San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 849–867.
Sapolsky, R.M. (1995) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2015) Transcript of: Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize Your Work with Trauma Survivors. Available at:https://www.nicabm.com
Jacobsen, H. and Reme, S. (2025) ‘Mind body reprocessing therapy for long COVID: theory and practice’, Authorea. Available at:https://www.authorea.com/users/938801/articles/1313568-mind-body-reprogramming-therapy-for-long-covid-theory-and-practice?commit=b616d3a483b858da40a009264ddb376cc671c275
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2015) Transcript of: Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize Your Work with Trauma Survivors. Available at:https://www.nicabm.com
Dana, D. (2024) Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory. London: Vermilion (Penguin Random House UK).
Chapter 3
Vegard Wyller said in a presentation to COFFI: ‘Fatigue is a homeostatic alarm that activates the stress response systems’ (2025).
Boruch, A.E., Barhorst, E.E., Rayne, T.J., Roberge, G.A., Brukardt, S.M., Leitel, Z.T., Coe, C.L., Fleshner, M., Falvo, M.J., Cook, D.B. and Lindheimer, J.B. (2024) ‘Exercise does not cause post-exertional malaise in veterans with Gulf War illness: a randomized, controlled, dose-response, crossover study’, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity – Health, 100708. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100708; Tryfonos, M. et al. (2024) ‘Functional limitations and exercise intolerance in patients with post-COVID condition: a randomized crossover clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(11), e2439832. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.39832.
Donnino, M., Howard, P., Mehta, S., Silverman, J., Cabrera, M.J., Yamin, J.B., Balaji, L., Berg, K.M., Heydrick, S., Edwards, R. and Grossestreuer, A.V. (2023) ‘Psychophysiologic symptom relief therapy (PSRT) for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19’, Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 7(4), pp. 337–348. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.05.002.
Nerli, T.F., Selvakumar, J., Cvejic, E. et al. (2024) ‘Brief outpatient rehabilitation program for post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2450744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50744.
Kavanagh, K. (2025) ‘The brain fires up immune cells when sick people are nearby’, Nature, 644(8075), p. 17. doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-00123-4.
Lipton, B. (2005) The Biology of Belief. California: Elite Books.
Ader, R., Felten, D.L. and Cohen, N. (1991) Psychoneuroimmunology. 2nd edn. San Diego: Academic Press.
Hall, N. and O’Grady, M. (1991) ‘Psychosocial interventions and immune function’, in Ader, R., Felten, D.L. and Cohen, N. (eds.) Psychoneuroimmunology. 2nd edn. San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 1067–1080. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-043780-1.50045-2.
Krupnik, V. (2024) [Article title not provided], Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 18, p. 1283372. doi: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1283372; Tamburro, G. et al. (2020) [Article title not provided], Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, p. 243. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00243.
Pert, C. (1997) Molecules of Emotion. London: Simon and Schuster.
Jentsch, V.L. and Wolf, O.T. (2020) ‘The impact of emotion regulation on cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and psychological stress responses’, Biological Psychology, 154, 107893. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107893.
Sapolsky, R.M. (1995) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Crum, A.J., Salovey, P. and Achor, S. (2013) ‘Rethinking stress: the role of mindsets in determining the stress response’, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(4), p. 716; Crum, A.J., Akinola, M., Martin, A. and Fath, S. (2017) ‘The role of stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses to challenging and threatening stress’, Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 30(4), pp. 379–395. doi: 10.1080/10615806.2016.1275585.
John-Henderson, N.A., Rheinschmidt, M.L. and Mendoza-Denton, R. (2015) ‘Cytokine responses and math performance: the role of stereotype threat and anxiety reappraisals’, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 56, pp. 203–206. doi: 10.1016/j.jesp.2014.10.002.
Blascovich, J. and Mendes, W.B. (2010) ‘The role stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses to challenging and threatening stress’.
Doidge, N. (2007) The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Viking Penguin.
Doidge, N. (2007) The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Viking Penguin.
Taylor, J.B. (2009) My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey. London: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.
Van der Kolk, B. (2015) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. London: Penguin.
YouTube (2009) M. Scott Peck – The Road Less Travelled. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdNCAkfd0sg
Reset to Thrive Training (2025) Webinar Replay: Committing to Your Recovery. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdNCAkfd0sg
TED (2022) How to Tap into Your Awareness | Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche | TED. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDVyOnf0t9M
Dana, D. (2024) Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory. London: Vermilion (Penguin Random House UK).
Hasan, Z., Kuyvenhoven, C., Chowdhury, M., Amoudi, L., Zeraatkar, D., Busse, J.W., Sadik, M. and Vanstone, M. (2024) ‘Patient perspectives of recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an interpretive description study’, Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 30(2), pp. 234–242. doi: 10.1111/jep.13938.
Miller, A., Symington, F., Garner, P. and Pedersen, M. (2025) ‘Patients with severe ME/CFS need hope and expert multidisciplinary care’, BMJ, 389, p. 977. doi: 10.1136/bmj.r977.
(1) Donnino, M., Howard, P., Mehta, S., Silverman, J., Cabrera, M.J., Yamin, J.B., Balaji, L., Berg, K.M., Heydrick, S., Edwards, R. and Grossestreuer, A.V. (2023) ‘Psychophysiologic symptom relief therapy (PSRT) for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19’, Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 7(4), pp. 337–348. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.05.002.
(2) Jacobsen, H. and Reme, S. (2025) ‘Mind body reprocessing therapy for long COVID: theory and practice’, Authorea. Available at:https://www.authorea.com/users/938801/articles/1313568-mind-body-reprogramming-therapy-for-long-covid-theory-and-practice?commit=b616d3a483b858da40a009264ddb376cc671c275 (Accessed: 15 December 2025).
(3) Kikkenborg Berg, S., Dam Nielsen, S., Nygaard, U. et al. (2022) ‘Long COVID symptoms in SARS-CoV-2-positive adolescents and matched controls (LongCOVIDKidsDK): a national, cross-sectional study’, The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 6(4), pp. 240–248. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00059-5.
(4) Selvakumar, J., Havdal, L.B., Drevvatne, M. et al. (2023) ‘Prevalence and characteristics associated with post–COVID-19 condition among nonhospitalized adolescents and young adults’, JAMA Network Open, 6(3), e235763. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.5763.
(5) Stephenson, T., Pinto Pereira, S.M., Shafran, R. et al. (2022) ‘Physical and mental health 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection (CLoCk) among adolescents in England: a national matched cohort study’, The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 6(4), pp. 230–239. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00022-7.
Kuut, T.A., Müller, F., Csorba, I., Braamse, A., Aldenkamp, A., Appelman, B., Assmann-Schuilwerve, E., Geerlings, S.E., Gibney, K.B., Kanaan, R.A. and Mooij-Kalverda, K. (2023) ‘Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy targeting severe fatigue following coronavirus disease 2019: results of a randomized controlled trial’, Clinical Infectious Diseases, 77(5), pp. 687–695. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciad325.
(1) Bermpohl, F., Kucharczyk-Bodenburg, A.C. and Martin, A. (2024) ‘Efficacy and acceptance of cognitive behavioral therapy in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome: a meta-analysis’, International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31(6), pp. 895–910. doi: 10.1007/s12529-024-10241-3.
(2) Gotaas, M.E., Stiles, T.C., Bjørngaard, J.H., Borchgrevink, P.C. and Fors, E.A. (2021) ‘Cognitive behavioral therapy improves physical function and fatigue in mild and moderate chronic fatigue syndrome: a consecutive randomized controlled trial of standard and short interventions’, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, p. 580924. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.580924.
(3) Kuut, T.A., Buffart, L.M., Braamse, A.M.J., Csorba, I., Bleijenberg, G., Nieuwkerk, P., Moss-Morris, R., Müller, F. and Knoop, H. (2024) ‘Does the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary by patient characteristics? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis’, Psychological Medicine, 54(3), pp. 447–456. doi: 10.1017/S0033291723000742.
de Gier, M., Picariello, F., Slot, M., Janse, A., Keijmel, S., Menting, J., Worm-Smeitink, M., Beckerman, H., de Groot, V., Moss-Morris, R. and Knoop, H. (2023) ‘The relation between cognitive-behavioural responses to symptoms in patients with long-term medical conditions and the outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy for fatigue – a secondary analysis of four RCTs’, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 161, p. 104243. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104243.
McGregor, G., Sandhu, H., Bruce, J., Sheehan, B., McWilliams, D., Yeung, J., Jones, C., Lara, B., Alleyne, S., Smith, J. and Lall, R. (2024) ‘Clinical effectiveness of an online supervised group physical and mental health rehabilitation programme for adults with post-COVID-19 condition (REGAIN study): multicentre randomised controlled trial’, BMJ, 384, q1175. doi: 10.1136/bmj.q1175.
Shields, G.S., Spahr, C.M. and Slavich, G.M. (2020) ‘Psychosocial interventions and immune system function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials’, JAMA Psychiatry, 77(10), pp. 1031–1043. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0431.
Zeraatkar, D., Ling, M., Kirsh, S., Jassal, T., Shahab, M., Movahed, H., Talukdar, J.R., Walch, A., Chakraborty, S., Turner, T. and Turkstra, L. (2024) ‘Interventions for the management of long COVID (post-COVID condition): living systematic review’, BMJ, 387, 081318. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2024-081318.
Zeraatkar, D., Ling, M., Kirsh, S., Jassal, T., Shahab, M., Movahed, H., Talukdar, J.R., Walch, A., Chakraborty, S., Turner, T. and Turkstra, L. (2024) ‘Interventions for the management of long COVID (post-COVID condition): living systematic review’, BMJ, 387, 081318. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2024-081318.
Nakamura, K., Kondo, K., Oka, N. et al. (2025) ‘Donepezil for fatigue and psychological symptoms in post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 8(3), e250728. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0728.
Sawano, M., Bhattacharjee, B., Caraballo, C., Khera, R., Li, S.X., Herrin, J., Christian, D., Coppi, A., Warner, F., Holub, J. and Henriquez, Y. (2025) ‘Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir versus placebo–ritonavir in individuals with long COVID in the USA (PAX LC): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2, decentralised trial’, The Lancet Infectious Diseases. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00045-7.
Hunt, B.J., Kuehn, R., Fox, T., Carson, A., Scandrett, K., Davey Smith, G. and Garner, P. (2024) ‘Challenging the current hypothesis that thrombosis is responsible for the post-COVID-19 condition’, Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 8(4), p. 102442. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102442. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903154/ (Accessed: 12 December 2025).
Hunt, B.J., Kuehn, R., Fox, T., Carson, A., Scandrett, K., Davey Smith, G. and Garner, P. (2024) ‘Challenging the current hypothesis that thrombosis is responsible for the post-COVID-19 condition’, Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 8(4), p. 102442. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102442. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903154/ (Accessed: 12 December 2025).
Donnino, M.W., Thompson, G.S., Mehta, S., Paschali, M., Howard, P., Antonsen, S.B., Balaji, L., Bertisch, S.M., Edwards, R., Ngo, L.H. and Grossestreuer, A.V. (2021) ‘Psychophysiologic symptom relief therapy for chronic back pain: a pilot randomized controlled trial’, Pain Reports, 6(3), p. e959.
Yarns, B.C., Jackson, N.J., Alas, A., Melrose, R.J., Lumley, M.A. and Sultzer, D.L. (2024) ‘Emotional awareness and expression therapy vs cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain in older veterans: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(6), pp. e2415842–e2415842.
Hsu, M.C., Schubiner, H., Lumley, M.A., Stracks, J.S., Clauw, D.J. and Williams, D.A. (2010) ‘Sustained pain reduction through affective self-awareness in fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial’, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 25(10), pp. 1064–1070.
Frisk, B., Jürgensen, M., Espehaug, B., Søfteland, E. and Kvale, G. (2025) ‘Sustained improvements in sick leave, fatigue and functional status following a concentrated micro-choice based treatment for patients with long COVID: a 1 year prospective uncontrolled study’, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 189, p. 112023. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.112023.
Nerli, T.F., Selvakumar, J., Cvejic, E. et al. (2024) ‘Brief outpatient rehabilitation program for post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2450744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50744.
Casson, S., Jones, M.D., Cassar, J., Kwai, N., Lloyd, A.R., Barry, B.K. and Sandler, C.X. (2023) ‘The effectiveness of activity pacing interventions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(23), pp. 3788–3802. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2135776.
Boruch, A.E., Barhorst, E.E., Rayne, T.J., Roberge, G.A., Brukardt, S.M., Leitel, Z.T., Coe, C.L., Fleshner, M., Falvo,M.J., Cook, D.B. and Lindheimer, J.B. (2024) ‘Exercise does not cause post-exertional malaise in veterans with Gulf War illness: a randomized, controlled, dose-response, crossover study’, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity – Health. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100708.
Tryfonos, M. et al. (2024) ‘Functional limitations and exercise intolerance in patients with post-COVID condition: a randomized crossover clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(11), e2439832. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.39832.
Chapter 4
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2015) Transcript of: “Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize Your Work with Trauma Survivors”. Available at:www.nicabm.com
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2014) Transcript of: “How Polyvagal Theory Expands Our Healing Paradigm”. Available at:www.nicabm.com
(1) Azriel, O. and Bar-Haim, Y. (2020) ‘Attention bias’, in Abramowitz, J.S. and Blakey, S.M. (eds.) Clinical Handbook of Fear and Anxiety: Maintenance Processes and Treatment Mechanisms. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, pp. 203–218. doi: 10.1037/0000150-012.
(2) Rehm, S., Sachau, J., Hellriegel, J. et al. (2021) ‘Pain matters for central sensitization: sensory and psychological parameters in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome’, Pain Reports, 6(1), e901. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000901.
(3) Van den Bergh, O., Witthöft, M., Petersen, S. and Brown, R.J. (2017) ‘Symptoms and the body: taking the inferential leap’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 74, pp. 185–203. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.017.
Commmunicatiewetenschappen (2017) Test Your Awareness: Who Dunnit. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRFMuGBP15U
Pert, C. (1997) Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine. London: Simon & Schuster.
Hunt-Davis, B. and Beveridge, H. (2011) Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? Leicester: Matador.
Nerli, T.F., Selvakumar, J., Cvejic, E. et al. (2024) ‘Brief outpatient rehabilitation program for post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2450744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50744.
Reeve, S. (2019) Step By Step. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
Moseley, M. (2018) Trust Me, I’m a Doctor: Mental Health Special. BBC Two. Available at:www.bbc.co.uk
Reset to Thrive Training (2025) Webinar Replay: Committing to Your Recovery. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdNCAkfd0sg
Buczynski, R. and Porges, S. (2015) Transcript of: “Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize Your Work with Trauma Survivors”. Available at:www.nicabm.com (Accessed: 17 December 2025).
Taylor, J.B. (2009) My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey. London: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.
Scott, D.J., Stohler, C.S., Egnatuk, C.M., Wang, H., Koeppe, R.A. and Zubieta, J.K. (2008) ‘Placebo and nocebo effects are defined by opposite opioid and dopaminergic responses’, Archives of General Psychiatry, 65(2), pp. 220–231. doi: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.65.2.220.
Mark, J.I., Cunningham, D. and Cassidy, J.M. (2025) ‘Advancing stroke recovery through operant conditioning of corticomuscular coherence’, Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, p. 09226028251379344. doi: 10.3233/RNN-250344.
Thompson, A.K. and Wolpaw, J.R. (2015) ‘Restoring walking after spinal cord injury: operant conditioning of spinal reflexes can help’, The Neuroscientist, 21(2), pp. 203–215. doi: 10.1177/1073858414527541.
Nerli, T.F., Selvakumar, J., Cvejic, E. et al. (2024) ‘Brief outpatient rehabilitation program for post–COVID-19 condition: a randomized clinical trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2450744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50744.