[Facts and myths about chronic fatigue syndrome]

Abstract

Contrary to its precursor, the new NICE guidelines for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) caution against graded exercise therapy for the severely ill, and cognitive behavioural therapy is only recommended for treating consequence of ME/CFS and not the condition itself. Instead, energy management is recommended. The recommendations are based on dismissing most current evidence from studies not using new diagnostic criteria introduced by NICE or not including patient viewpoints. As argued in this review, instead of a scientific approach, the committee attaches importance to a consensus-driven approach among a biased group of specialists and patients; many associated to the ME action community.