Personal Statement

Dr Marie Thomas has a PhD in Psychology and specialises in persistent fatigue and cognitive functioning in chronic health conditions. Her expertise is built on an extensive programme of research examining the beliefs, behavioural patterns, and underlying functional impairments associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This work identified predictors of recovery and highlighted evidence based strategies for illness management. Ten peer reviewed articles from this body of research were critically evaluated and submitted as part of Marie's PhD by Publication.

Her research also contributed to a commissioned book published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2018, Tired All the Time: Persistent Fatigue and Healthcare, and she has authored numerous peer reviewed articles on both acute and chronic fatigue.

More recently, Dr Marie Thomas was invited to join one of sixteen specialist working groups established in response to the World Health Organization’s ICD 11 initiative. As part of the International Consortium to Classify Ageing Related Pathologies (ICCARP), she contributes to the development of a comprehensive classification framework that integrates metabolic, cellular, tissue, and organ level changes associated with ageing. This work aims to support healthcare providers and policymakers in designing effective interventions for age related conditions.

Academic Qualifications

  • BSc(Hons) University of Wales
  • PG Cert HE University of Wales
  • PhD University of Wales.

Professional Qualifications

  • Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Professional Memberships

  • The British Psychological Society (BPS).

Teaching subjects and areas of expertise

  • Psychology Tutor - input to all levels
  • Module Lead: Professionals Skills
  • Module Lead: tbc
  • PPY Tutor (Psychology)
  • Academic Advisor (L4, L5, L6)
  • Dissertation Supervisor
  • Seminar Lead (tbc).

Research outputs

book

Thomas, M (2018) 鈥淭ired all the time鈥�: persistent fatigue and healthcare. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. ISBN 9783319939131

book_section

Thomas, M (2014) 'The development of a non-formal training programme for extra-institutional pre-school child care: the LiMErIC project.' In: The Future of Education: conference proceedings. 4th ed. Libreriauniversitaria.it, Padova, pp. 358-361. ISBN 9788862924993

article

Thomas, M (2022) 'The fatigue-related symptoms post-acute SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary comparative study.' International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (18). e11662. ISSN 1661-7827

article

Smith, A.P and Thomas, M (2022) 'Cognitive behaviour therapy, multi-convergent therapy, and the mood and cognitive performance of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.' World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 8 (5). pp. 58-65. ISSN 2455-3301

article

Smith, A.P and Thomas, M (2021) 'Polio vaccination and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.' Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases, 8 (4). pp. 43-49. ISSN 2582-3221

article

Thomas, M and Smith, A.P (2019) 'Measurements of recovery and predictors of outcome in an untreated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sample.' Journal of Health and Medical Sciences, 2 (2). pp. 167-178. ISSN 2622-7258

article

Thomas, M and Smith, A.P (2019) 'Can the improvements reported by individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome following multi-convergent therapy be sustained in the longer-term: a three-year follow-up study.' Journal of Health and Medical Sciences, 2 (2). pp. 122-130. ISSN 2622-7258

article

Thomas, M and Christopher, G (2017) 'Fatigue in developmental coordination disorder: an exploratory study in adults.' Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior, 6 (1). pp. 41-51. ISSN 2164-1862

article

Kirby, A, Williams, N, Koelewijn, L, Brindley, L.M, Muthukumaraswamy, S.D, te Water Naud茅, J, Thomas, M, Gibbon, F, Singh, K.D and Hamandi, K (2017) 'Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) and developmental co-ordination disorder.' Epilepsy & Behavior, 72. pp. 122-126. ISSN 1525-5050

article

Brindley, L.M, Koelewijn, L, Kirby, A, Williams, N, Thomas, M, te Water-Naud茅, J, Gibbon, F, Muthukumaraswamy, S, Singh, K.D and Hamandi, K (2016) 'Ipsilateral cortical motor desynchronisation is reduced in benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes.' Clinical Neurophysiology, 127 (2). pp. 1147-1156. ISSN 1388-2457

article

Koelewijn, L, Hamandi, K, Brindley, L.M, Brookes, M.J, Routley, B.C, Muthukumaraswamy, S, Williams, N, Thomas, M, Kirby, A, te Water Naud茅, J, Gibbon, F and Singh, K.D (2015) 'Resting-state oscillatory dynamics in sensorimotor cortex in benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes and typical brain development.' Human Brain Mapping, 36 (10). pp. 3935-3949. ISSN 1097-0193

article

Thomas, M, Christopher, G, Williams, N and Heirene, R (2015) 'Measuring fatigue and related symptoms in adults with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).' Journal of Comorbidity, 5 (2). pp. 102-103. ISSN 2235-042X

article

Smith, A.P and Thomas, M (2015) 'Chronic fatigue syndrome and increased susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections and illnesses.' Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behaviour, 3 (3). pp. 156-163. ISSN 2164-1846

article

Thomas, M, Williams, N and Kirby, A (2015) 'Supporting students with specific learning difficulties in higher education: a preliminary comparative study of executive function skills.' The Journal of Inclusive Practice in Further and Higher Education, 6 (1). pp. 36-47. ISSN 2398-5976

article

Williams, N, Thomas, M and Kirby, A (2015) 'The lived experiences of female adults seeking a diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder.' The Dyspraxia Foundation Professional Journal, 13. pp. 21-31.

article

Thomas, M, Williams, N and Kirby, A (2013) 'Working with DCD: Supporting adults with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in the workplace.' Occupational Health at Work, 10 (1). pp. 33-35. ISSN 1744-2265

article

Evans, B.A, Bedson, E, Bell, P, Hutchings, H, Lowes, L, Rea, D, Seagrove, A, Siebert, S, Smith, G, Snooks, H, Thomas, M, Thorne, K and Russell, I (2013) 'Involving service users in trials: developing a standard operating procedure.' Trials, 14 (219). ISSN 1745-6215

article

McCarney, D, Peters, L, Jackson, S, Thomas, M and Kirby, J (2013) 'Does poor handwriting conceal literacy potential in primary school children?' International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 60 (2). pp. 105-118. ISSN 1034-912X

article

Kirby, A, Williams, N, Thomas, M and Hill, E.L (2013) 'Self-reported mood, general health, wellbeing and employment status in adults with suspected DCD.' Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34 (4). pp. 1357-1364. ISSN 0891-4222

article

Kirby, A and Thomas, M (2011) 'The whole child with developmental disorders.' British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 72 (3). pp. 120-125. ISSN 1750-8460

article

Snooks, H, Russell, D, Brown, C, Nair, A, Moore, C, Lewis, A, Thomas, G, al-Sulaiti, M, Thomas, M and Griffith-Noble, C (2011) 'Posters: 015 How can we prevent overdoses and what works? A systematic review of interventions for non fatal poisonings.' Emergency Medical Journal, 28 (3). e1. ISSN 1472-0213

article

Simkiss, D.E, Snooks, H.A, Stallard, N, Davies, S, Thomas, M, Anthony, B, Winstanley, S, Wilson, L and Stewart-Brown, S (2010) 'Measuring the impact and costs of a universal group based parenting programme: protocol and implantation of a trial.' BMC Public Health, 10. pp. 364-375. ISSN 1471-2458

article

Smith, A, Thomas, M and Sadlier, M (2009) 'Healthy Minds at Work, part 4 - Multi-convergent therapy: a possible intervention to aid return to work.' Occupational Health at Work, 6 (3). pp. 30-32. ISSN 1744-2265

article

Snooks, H, Evans, A, Wells, B, Perconi, J, Thomas, M, Woollard, M, Guly, H, Jenkinson, E, Turner, J and Huntley-Sharpe, C (2009) 'What are the highest priorities for research in emergency prehospital care?' Emergency Medical Journal, 26 (8). pp. 549-550. ISSN 1472-0213

article

Christopher, G and Thomas, M (2009) 'Social problem solving and chronic fatigue syndrome: preliminary findings.' Stress and Health, 25 (2). pp. 161-169. ISSN 1532-2998

article

Thomas, M and Smith, A (2009) 'An investigation into the cognitive deficits associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.' The Open Neurology Journal, 3. pp. 13-23. ISSN 1874-205X

article

Thomas, M, Sadlier, M.J and Smith, A.P (2008) 'A multiconvergent approach to the rehabilitation of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a comparative study.' Physiotheraphy, 94 (1). pp. 35-42. ISSN 0031-9406

article

Thomas, M and Smith, A (2007) 'An evaluation of counselling and rehabilitation courses for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.' Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 7 (3). pp. 164-171. ISSN 1473-3145

article

Kerr, J.R, Christian, P, Hodgetts, A, Langford, P.R, Devanur, L.D, Petty, R, Burke, B, Sinclair, L.I, Richards, S.C.M, Montgomery, J, McDermott, C.R, Harrison, T.J, Kellam, P, Nutt, D.J, Holgate, S.T and Thomas, M (2007) 'Current research priorities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: disease mechanisms, a diagnostic test and specific treatments.' Journal of Clinical Pathology, 60 (2). pp. 113-116. ISSN 1472-4146

article

Thomas, M and Smith, A.P (2006) 'An investigation of the long-term benefits of antidepressant medication in the recovery of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.' Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 21 (8). pp. 503-509. ISSN 1099-1077

article

Kerr, J.R, Petty, R, Burke, B, Fear, D, Montgomery, J, Richards, S.C.M, Thomas, M, Smith, A.P, Harrison, T.J, Kellam, P and Holgate, A.T (2006) 'S.16.03 Chronic fatigue syndrome.' European Neuropsychopharmacology, 16 (sup.4). S187-S188. ISSN 0924-977X

article

Thomas, M, Sadlier, M and Smith, A (2006) 'The effect of Multi Convergent Therapy on the psychopathology, mood and performance of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients: a preliminary study.' Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 6 (2). pp. 91-99. ISSN 1473-3145

article

Thomas, M and Smith, A.P (2005) 'Primary healthcare provision and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a survey of patients' and General Practitioners' beliefs.' BMC Family Practice, 6 (49). ISSN 1471-2296

article

Thomas, M and Whitney, H (2000) 'After-effects of the common cold on mood and performance.' Ergonomics, 43 (9). pp. 1342-1349. ISSN 0014-0139

article

Smith, A, Thomas, M and Whitney, H (2000) 'Effects of upper respiratory tract illnesses on mood and performance over the working day.' Ergonomics, 43 (6). pp. 752-763. ISSN 0014-0139

article

Smith, A.P, Thomas, M, Borysiewicz, L and Llewelyn, M (1999) 'Chronic fatigue syndrome and susceptibility to upper respiratory tract illnesses.' British Journal of Health Psychology, 4 (4). pp. 327-335. ISSN 2044-8287

article

Smith, A.P, Borysiewicz, L, Pollock, J, Thomas, M, Perry, K and Llewlyn, M (1999) 'Acute fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome.' Psychological Medicine, 29 (2). pp. 283-290. ISSN 0033-2917

article

Smith, A, Thomas, M, Kent, J and Nicholson, K (1998) 'Effects of the common cold on mood and performance.' Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23 (7). pp. 733-739. ISSN 0306-4530

article

Smith, A.P, Thomas, M, Perry, K and Whitney, H (1997) 'Caffeine and the common cold.' Journal of Psychopharmacology, 11 (4). pp. 319-324. ISSN 0269-8811

article

Smith, A.P, Whitney, H, Thomas, M, Perry, K and Brockman, P (1997) 'Effects of caffeine and noise on mood, performance and cardiovascular functioning.' Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 12 (1). pp. 27-33. ISSN 1099-1077

article

Smith, A, Pollock, J, Thomas, M, Llewelyn, M and Borysiewicz, L (1996) 'The relationship between subjective ratings of sleep and mental functioning in healthy subjects and patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.' Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 11 (3). pp. 161-167. ISSN 1099-1077

article

Smith, A, Whitney, H, Thomas, M, Perry, K and Brockman, P (1995) 'Effects of regular alcohol intake and stress on mental performance, mood and cardiovascular function.' Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 10 (5). pp. 423-431. ISSN 1099-1077

article

Smith, A.P, Whitney, H, Thomas, M, Brockman, P and Perry, K (1995) 'A comparison of the acute effects of a low dose of alcohol on mood and performance of healthy volunteers and subjects with upper respiratory tract illnesses.' Journal of Psychopharmacology, 9 (3). pp. 267-272. ISSN 0271-0749

article

Smith, A.P, Harvey, I, Richmond, P, Peters, T.J, Thomas, M and Brockman, P (1994) 'Upper respiratory tract illnesses and accidents.' Occupational Medicine, 44 (3). pp. 141-144. ISSN 0962-7480

article

Smith, A.P, Thomas, M, Brockman, P, Kent, J and Nicholson, K.G (1993) 'Effect of influenza B virus on human performance.' British Medical Journal, 306. pp. 760-761. ISSN 0959-8138

article

Smith, A.P, Brockman, P, Flynn, R, Maben, A and Thomas, M (1993) 'An investigation of the effects of coffee on alertness and performance during the day and night.' Neuropsychobiology, 27 (4). pp. 217-233. ISSN 0302-282X

article

Thomas, M, Puntis, M, Jiang, W, Mathews, M and Hughes, L (1991) 'Effect of monocyte production of tumour necrosis factor in jaundice.' British Journal of Surgery, 78 (6). p. 759. ISSN 1365-2168

article

Scriven, M.W, Thomas, M, Manku, M.S, Steward, J.C.M, Horribin, D.F and Puntis, MC.A (1990) 'Essential fatty acid metabolism is abnormal in obstructive jaundice.' Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sup211. ISSN 1868-6974

conference_item

Williams, N, Thomas, M and Kirby, A (2015) Investigating the association between rolandic epilepsy and Developmental Coordination Disorder. In: International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS) 2015, 12 - 14 March 2015, Beurs Van Berlage, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

conference_item

Thomas, M and Christopher, G (2015) The influence of emotion-processing on symptom severity in chronic fatigue syndrome. In: The Inaugural International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS) 2015, 12 - 14 March 2015, Beurs Van Berlage, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Thomas, M and Christopher, G (2015) The impact of social problem solving on reported symptomatology in chronic fatigue syndrome. In: The Inaugural International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS), 12 - 14 March 2015, Beurs Van Berlage, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Brindley, L.M, Thomas, M, Gibbon, F.M, Kirby, A, Peters, L, te Water Naud茅, J, Williams, N, Singh, K.D, Jones, D.K and Hamandi, K (2012) Motor circuit tractography predicts motor performance in children with rolandic epilepsy. In: ILAE 10th European Congress on Epileptology, 30 September - 3 October 2012, ICC, London, UK.

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Brindley, L.M, Thomas, M, Perry, G, Muthukumaraswamy, S, Gibbon, F.M, Kirby, A, Peters, L, te Water Naud茅, J, Williams, N, Jones, D.K, Singh, K.D and Hamandi, k (2012) Motor cortex oscillations, motor pathways and motor control in rolandic epilepsy. In: 18th International Conference on Biomagnetism, 26 - 30 August 2012, Maison de la Chimie, Paris, France.

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McCarney, D, Peters, L, Jackson, S, Thomas, M and Kirby, A (2012) The relationship between gender and handwriting performance. In: Handwriting in the UK Conference, 23 June 2012, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.

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Kirby, A, Thomas, M and Williams, N (2012) What at the reported executive functioning skills deficits in students with DCD compared to other students in university? In: Developmental Coordination Disorder UK Conference: Knowledge Exchange: Research - Practice, 22 June 2012, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK.

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Thomas, M, Kirby, A and Edwards, L (2011) What are the reported Executive Functioning skills deficits in students with Specific Learning Difficulties compared to other students in higher education? In: SRHE Annual Research Conference: Positive Futures for Higher Education; Connections, Communities and Criticality, 7 - 9 December 2011, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales.

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Brindley, L, Thomas, M, Muthukumaraswarmy, S, Gibbon, F, Kirby, A, Perry, G, Peters, L, te Water Naud茅, J, Williams, N, Singh, K and Hamandi, K (2011) Motor cortex oscillations and motor control in rolandic epilepsy. In: International League Against Epilepsy UK Chapter: Annual Scientific Meeting, 9 - 11 November 2011, York Racecourse, York, UK.

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Thomas, M, Smith, A and Christopher, G (2011) Measuring recovery in chronic fatigue syndrome patients and assessing the impact of associated risk factors on positive outcome. In: British Psychological Society Annual Conference, 4 - 6 May 2011, Glasgow, UK.

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Thomas, M, Evans, B.A, Snooks, H, Thomas, G, Russell, D, Brown, C, Nair, A, Moore, C, Pitt, K, Whitfield, R, Lewis, A and Oretti, R (2010) Reducing avoidable overdose deaths: patterns, presentations and opportunities in the prehospital setting. In: Health Services Research in Europe Working Conference: When Research and Policy Meet, 8 - 9 April 2010, World Forum, The Hague, Netherlands.

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Thomas, M, Snooks, H, Evans, A, Gaze, S and Thomson, C (2008) Involving people in an emergency and un-scheduled care research network: the challenges and successes to date. In: INVOLVE 6th National Conference: Public Involvement in Research - Getting it Right and Making a Difference, 11 - 12 November 2008, East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, UK.

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Thomas, M, Evans, A, Snooks, H, Well, B, Turner, J and Wollard, M (2008) What are the highest priorities for research in prehospital care: the results of a review and consultation exercise. In: Health Services Research Network and National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) Programme Joint Annual Conference, 5 - 6 June 2008, Manchester University, Manchester, UK.

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Thomas, M, Stewart-Brown, S, Snooks, H and Simkiss, D (2008) Using mixed methods to evaluate a complex public health family intervention in a community based setting: study design. In: AWARD Conference, 2008, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea, Wales.

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Thomas, M, Smith, A.P and Sadlier, M (2008) A multi convergent therapy for the rehabilitation of patients with CFS: short-term and long-term outcomes. In: Chronic Illness Management Conference, 2008, Healthcare Conference Centre, Harrogate, UK.

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Thomas, M, Smith, A.P and Sadlier, M (2007) An investigation into the efficacy of a multi convergent therapy to facilitate return to work in patients with CFS: a preliminary study. In: QUIC/AWARD Conference, 5 December 2007, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea, Wales.

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Thomas, M, Smith, A.P and Sadlier, M (2002) Healthcare evaluation and assessment of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In: Fatigue Annual Meeting, 17 - 18 May 2002, National ME Centre for Fatigue Syndromes, London, UK.