ME/CFS is a long-term condition with a multitude of symptoms, the most common of which is extreme tiredness. ME/CFS is more common in women aged 20-40, but it can be experienced by anyone, of any age.
We do not currently know exactly what causes ME/CFS, but it often appears to be triggered by an infection such as glandular fever or pneumonia. People with compromised immune systems can be more vulnerable, and there seems to be a genetic element to it as it is more common in some families.
There is no specific test for ME/CFS, so diagnosis will be done by your doctor based on your symptoms. The trouble is that many of the symptoms (see below) can be attributed to other illnesses which must be ruled out, and the symptoms must have been present for three months or more, so it can take time to diagnose ME/CFS.
Typical symptoms include:
These symptoms can change rapidly, and feel better or worse day by day, even hour by hour.
There is currently no specific treatment for ME/CFS, but doctors can prescribe medicines to treat individual symptoms such as poor sleep. Doctors should refer young people to a Paediatric Specialist ME/CFS team where they are likely to be seen by a range of specialists including physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and counsellors.
It is hard living with ME/CFS, patients feel really unwell and miss out on day-to-day life because they simply don’t have the energy to participate. Because it is a disease which is not fully understood by the medical profession it can take time to get a diagnosis. Friends and family often don’t understand quite how debilitating the illness can be and become frustrated. Patients with ME/CFS often have to make major lifestyle changes to manage their illness, and all of this can make patients more susceptible to developing mental health issues, such as depression.
If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with ME/CFS we recommend you get in touch with the ME Association which offers information, advice, and support.
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