Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – IOM Report Presents New Diagnostic Criteria
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome -- commonly known as ME/CFS -- is a debilitating condition that burdens millions of people in the U.S. and around the world. The disease is characterized by profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep abnormalities, pain, and other symptoms that are made worse by exertion of any sort.
Although health care providers are aware of ME/CFS, many misunderstand the disease or lack the knowledge on how to diagnose and treat it. Less than one-third of medical school curricula and less than half of medical textbooks include information about ME/CFS.
Although health care providers are aware of ME/CFS, many misunderstand the disease or lack the knowledge on how to diagnose and treat it. Less than one-third of medical school curricula and less than half of medical textbooks include information about ME/CFS.
A new report from the Institute of Medicine presents new criteria to diagnose ME/CFS and examines whether a new name for the condition is warranted.
DETAILS:
Members of the authoring committee will present their findings and recommendations at a public briefing beginning at 11 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Room 100 of the National Academies’ Keck Center, 500 Fifth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Those who cannot attend may view a live video webcast of the event at http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Disease/DiagnosisMyalgicEncephalomyelitisChronicFatigueSyndrome/2015-FEB-10.aspx.
Advance copies of Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness will be available to reporters only beginning at noon EST Monday, Feb. 9. The report is embargoed and not for public release before 11 a.m. EST Tuesday, Feb 10. To obtain a copy of the report or to attend the event, reporters should contact the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.