Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious long-term illness. People with ME/CFS experience a profound fatigue that does not go away with rest, sleep issues and problems with memory or concentration. They are able to do much less than before they became ill. Further common symptoms include dizziness, nausea and pain.[3] The hallmark symptom is a worsening of the illness which starts hours to days after minor physical or mental activity. This "crash" can last less than a day to several months.[10]
The cause of the disease is unknown.[11] ME/CFS often starts after an infection, such as mononucleosis.[12] ME/CFS can run in families, but no genes that contribute to ME/CFS have been found.[13] ME/CFS is associated with changes in the nervous and immune systems, as well as in energy production.[14] Diagnosis is based on symptoms because no diagnostic test is available.[7]
The illness can improve or worsen over time, but full recovery is uncommon.[12] No therapies or medications are approved to treat the condition and management is aimed at relieving symptoms.[2]: 29 Pacing of activities can help avoid flare-ups and counselling may help in coping with the illness.[8] Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ME/CFS affected 2 to 9 out of every 1000 people, depending on the definition.[9] However, many people with long COVID fit ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.[15] ME/CFS occurs more often in women than in men. It most commonly affects adults between ages 40 and 60 but can occur at other ages, including childhood.[16]
ME/CFS has a large social and economic impact. About a quarter of individuals are severely affected and unable to leave their bed or home.[10]: 3 The disease can be socially isolating.[17] People with ME/CFS often face stigma in healthcare settings and care is complicated by controversies around the cause and treatments of the illness.[18] Doctors may be unfamiliar with ME/CFS, as it is often not fully covered in medical school.[15] Historical research funding for ME/CFS has been far below that of diseases with comparable impact.[19]
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^ abInstitut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG) (17 April 2023). Myalgische Enzephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Aktueller Kenntnisstand [Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): current state of knowledge] (PDF) (in German). Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen. ISSN1864-2500. Archived(PDF) from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
^Cite error: The named reference CDC_Clinical2024 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^O'Leary D (December 2020). "A concerning display of medical indifference: reply to 'Chronic fatigue syndrome and an illness-focused approach to care: controversy, morality and paradox'". Medical Humanities. 46 (4): e4. doi:10.1136/medhum-2019-011743. PMID32601171. S2CID220253462.