In the New Scientist psychiatrist Simon Wessely, adviser to the Home Office and Ministry of Defence, looks into the idea that people can “think themselves sick”.
Dr Wessely has researched how illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf war syndrome are caused. This has led to controversy and he has received angry letters from people who believe he has dismissed their conditions.
However Dr Wessely has devoted himself to the finding ways of treating these conditions. Speaking to Claire Wilson, Dr Wessley explains how a person’s brain can affect their health.
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