This study says “the significant variability found between case definitions for CFS/ME is an immediate cause of confusion for clinicians and researchers alike. Further reasons include limited knowledge, lack of recognition for the disorder, and limited contact with CFS/ME patients who do not access care due to the severity of their condition as well as their low expectations for receiving adequate care and support.”
by Sasha Nimmo
Around 38% of Australians diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) do not meet the Fukuda chronic fatigue syndrome definition used by the US government. More than two-thirds don’t meet the International Consensus Criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ICC ME). Australia has no national clinical guidelines but patient organisations endorse the ICC or earlier version (Canadian Consensus Criteria).
Australia’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Menzies Health Institute looked at characteristics of patients meeting Fukuda chronic fatigue syndrome criteria (CFS) and International Consensus Criteria (ICC) for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The aim of this study was to describe sociodemographic and illness characteristics of Australian patients with CFS and ME.
Epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in Australian patients was published in Clinical Epidemiology in May 2016.
The study included 535 patients diagnosed with CFS or ME by a primary care physician.
- 30.28% met only the Fukuda chronic fatigue syndrome…
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