WebMD updates "The Scoop on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"

[Webdog]

An existing WebMD article on ME/CFS titled "The Scoop on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" had misquoted the IOM report. I set out to change that, and this week the effort paid off.

The Scoop on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
https://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/features/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-about

Until this week, the article said (bolding mine):

According to the IOM report, ME/CFS has five main symptoms:

- Extreme tiredness that causes a drop in a person's usual activities and lasts for more than 6 months
...

But this is not what the IOM report states. After an exchange of emails, WebMD agreed to change their article, removing the term "tiredness" and changing the wording to more closely match the IOM report. It now reads:

According to the IOM report, ME/CFS has five main symptoms:

- A large drop in ability to perform a person's usual activities that lasts for more than 6 months and is accompanied by fatigue
...

Some might consider the difference trivial. But I felt it important that WebMD properly cite the IOM report. Doctors read this stuff, after all.

 

[Peter T]

Thank you @Webdog; one tiny step at a time. But enough tiny steps together result in significant change.

 

[DokaGirl]

Thank you @Webdog, for your initiative, and perseverance, in being a ME Word Warrior!

 

[Medfeb]

Thank you for getting this updated, @Webdog. The difference is significant and needed to change the "tiredness" narrative

 

[Daisymay]

Some might consider the difference trivial. But I felt it important that WebMD properly cite the IOM report. Doctors read this stuff, after all.

It's not trivial, you're right it is important, thanks very much for all your work x

 

[dangermouse]

Thanks

 

[Joh]

Thank you!

 

[ME/CFS Skeptic]

Well done @Webdog !

The difference is significant and needed to change the "tiredness" narrative

Second that!