Oxford concise medical dictionary

[Sly Saint]

CFS/ME/PVF
a condition, known variously as chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy), or postviral fatigue syndrome, characterized by extreme disabling fatigue that has lasted for at least six months, is made worse by physical or mental exertion, does not resolve with bed rest, and cannot be attributed to other disorders. The fatigue is accompanied by at least some of the following: muscle pain or weakness (fibromyalgia), poor coordination, joint pain, recurrent sore throat, slight fever, painful lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, depression, cognitive impairment (especially an inability to concentrate), and general malaise. The cause is unknown, but in some cases some viral conditions (especially glandular fever) are thought to trigger the disease; however, no viral aetiology has yet been identified. Treatment is restricted to relieving the symptoms and helping sufferers to plan their lives with a minimum of energy expenditure. Graded physiotherapy may be helpful in some cases. Many psychiatrists consider CFS/ME/PVF to be a mood disorder and use behavioural and cognitive techniques as well as antidepressants to treat it.

http://www.afme.org.uk/ Website of Action for ME: includes information for health-care professionals

online version from 2014
https://www.oxfordreference.com/dis...0;jsessionid=1D35ADC7120E43014E42C2A54B5E8340

 

[boolybooly]

That's not quite right though is it?

It starts out OK right up to "minimum of energy expenditure" but then it slips into graded exercise and mood disorders, which is a huge class error.

What that is really trying to say is, IMHO, CFS/ME/PVF can be *confused with* conditions which do respond to graded exercise, talking therapy and happy pills.

The reason why treating them as the same condition is harmful is right there staring you in the face.

"is made worse by physical or mental exertion", if it is made worse by exertion then its not suitable for graded exercise.

They are not one and the same condition and that is a key criterion for distinguishing them.

Surely it is self evident!?

 

[DokaGirl]

Agreed, it should be self evident.

This definition is a mish- mash. It looks like a few people added bits and pieces as they went along.

This definitely needs an update.

 

[NelliePledge]

Well it is nearly 10 years old. Bit shoddy website management to not have had it reviewed and updated.

 

[JemPD]

I'd be willing to bet that if they redid it now it'd be much worse.

MUS, Functional etc etc etc