ME/CFS affects millions of people worldwide, but remains poorly understood, under-diagnosed, under-treated and even inappropriately treated. These consensus recommendations from the Mayo Clinic addresses issues around ME/CFS for general practitioners.
Keywords: Chronic fatigue, chronic pain, long COVID
Reading material:
Educational Objectives
Educational Aim:
The aim of this article is to summarize recommendations for generalist and specialist health care providers based on recent scientific progress and decades of clinical experience in the field of ME/CFS.
Editor's comments:
With post-COVID syndrome (or long COVID) increasing in numbers, it is imperative for clinicians not to ignore other causes of symptoms such as longstanding fatigue, pain and cognitive impairment. ME/CFS should be considered in the differential diagnosis, as it is common, under-diagnosed and under-treated. Even for those suffering from long COVID, the interventions listed in the article could be beneficial.
Educational Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module practitioners should have a clear understanding of:
- The prevalence of ME/CFS in the general population
- The diagnosis and management of ME/CFS
- The impact on quality of life for people who live with ME/CFS
- The differential diagnosis and comorbidities of ME/CFS.
