Ellen Goudsmit studied experimental psychology at the University of Reading, gaining her BA in 1976. She then returned to her native Amsterdam to study psychophysiology with the aim of specialising in endocrinology. As part of her doctoraal degree, she spent several months at Leiden University Medical School examining the variables influencing ovulation. Her dissertation was based on a study of the relationship between hormones and premenstrual syndrome conducted at the Department of Gynaecology, St. Thomas's Hospital. Ellen then began a second doctoraal course, in clinical psychology/psychotherapy, (1979–1980).

Her interest in the psychological aspects of medical conditions resulted in several studies investigating the experiences and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis/post-viral syndrome. She was awarded a PhD in Health Psychology at Brunel University (1989–1996). Throughout this time, she also worked as a freelance medical journalist and advised various health charities, including the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome, Association for Post-Natal Illness, and ME Action (now known as AFME). Ellen was appointed Visiting Research Fellow at UEL in 2008.

During the 1980s, Ellen wrote many articles to increase awareness of conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, post-natal depression, bulimia and myalgic encephalomyelitis. She also devised a strategy which could be used by ME patients to manage their limited energy (pacing) and introduced the concept of psychologisation.

Ellen has collaborated with Professor Dancey on a number of projects, including the development of new research criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis. She was the first disabled psychologist to be elected Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

• Health psychology:
  • Psychosocial factors involved in chronic illness and disability.
  • Special interest in fatigue syndromes, MCS and medically unexplained symptoms.

A meta-analysis of graded exercise therapy for CFS.

Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Goudsmit, E.M., Stouten, B., & Howes, S. (2009). Illness intrusiveness in myalgic encephalomyelitis. An exploratory study. Journal of Health Psychology, 14(2), 215–221. doi:10.1177/1359105308100205
2. Goudsmit, E.M., Ho-Yen, D.O., & Dancey, C.P. (2009). Learning to cope with chronic illness. Efficacy of a multi-component treatment for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patient Education and Counseling, 77(2), 231–236. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2009.05.015
3. Goudsmit, E.M., Shepherd, C., Dancey, C.P., & Howes, S. (2009). ME: Chronic fatigue syndrome or a distinct clinical entity? Health Psychology Update, 18(1), 26–33.
4. Goudsmit, E.M., & Howes, S. (2008). Is multiple chemical sensitivity a result of expectations and beliefs? A critical evaluation of provocation studies. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 17(3), 195–211. doi:10.1080/13590840802443133
5. Goudsmit, E.M., & Howes, S. (2008). Pacing: A strategy to improve energy management in chronic fatigue syndrome. Health Psychology Update, 17(1), 46–52.
6. Goudsmit, E.M., Stouten, B., & Howes, S. (2008). Fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis. Bulletin of the IACFS/ME, 16(3), 3–10.

Non-peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Dancey, C.P., & Goudsmit, E.M. (2008). Stress: How can it cause irritable bowel syndrome? Gut Reaction, 72, 6–7.

Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Goudsmit, E.M., & Stouten, B. (2004). Chronic fatigue syndrome: editorial bias in the British Medical Journal. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 12(4), 47–59.

Non-peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Goudsmit, E.M. (2001). Post traumatic stress disorder: Genuine illness or convenient excuse? Second Generation Voices, 18, 3–5.

Book Chapters

1. Goudsmit, E.M., Brostoff, J., & Challacombe, S.J. (2002). The psychologisation of illness. In Food allergy and intolerance (2nd ed., pp. 685–693): WB Saunders.

Conference Papers

1. Goudsmit, E.M. (2001). Has the psychologisation of illness gone too far? Allergy and the Brain. Paper presented at the Allergy Research Foundation meeting, Royal Society of Medicine.

• Fellow of the British Psychological Society
• Member of Division Health Psychology
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine
• Member of the International Association for CFS/ME
• Reviewer various medical journals