Diagnosis of ME/CFS

This is our first rough draft dealing with the complicated and controversial issue of diagnosing ME/CFS


There are many problems which arise when trying to diagnose a patient with ME/CFS. First of all many of the symptoms characteristic of the illness are widespread and found in many disease entities. There is also no diagnostic test available for ME/CFS and the standard investigations widely available are largely normal. Therefore, diagnosis is based on exclusion of illnesses which have similar symptoms, for example: thyroid disease, cancer, M.S. and Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE or Lupus.)

The time it takes for diagnosis varies from country to country and from doctor to doctor, but usually takes a minimum of several months until the patient is referred to a specialist who will perform the diagnosis. Also, the symptoms, especially the fatigue have usually got to last 6 months before diagnosis in most places, although this is often 3 months in children. Some patients with an acute onset illness after a viral infection will often be given the diagnosis of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PTVS) if their symptoms have lasted for less than 6 months. This is not the same as having ME/CFS and many patients recover, but those who don't and develop ME/CFS or who already had it have often having their diagnosis changed to ME/CFS after 6 months. Patients in North America use the term Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) synonymously with ME/CFS.

The best criteria for diagnosis are the Canadian Criteria which can be found here http://www.cfids-cab.org/MESA/ccpccd.pdf They are literally a gold standard for diagnosis and well worth a read! We are working on getting these criteria, or an appropriate equivalent, or better, incorporated worldwide.

However, some doctors refuse to believe the illness exists and will not diagnose the patient or refer them to an appropriate specialist. Some doctors also label the patient with a psychiatric diagnosis. If this happens, ask around and FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! There are good ones out there, do not give up! Just having a doctor who listens and understands can make a huge difference.


Back to What is ME/CFS?

Symptoms of ME/CFS

Treatment

More ME/CFS Resources

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