The International Association for CFS/ME (IACFS/ME) has produced a revised version of their primer. Their goal is to provide the information necessary to understand, diagnose, and manage the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome  —also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). The text was developed by consensus of the primer committee.

Since the current literature does not adequately describe the nature and treatment of this illness, this document is written as a primer and is not “clinical practice guidelines” as recently redefined in the US. Where published studies are lacking, their recommendations are based on the clinical expertise of their experienced practitioners.

View, download, print or order your copy from their website

Members of the IACFS/ME Primer Writing Committee

Fred Friedberg, Ph.D. Chairperson,    Stony Brook, New York, USA

Lucinda Bateman, B.S., M.D.   General Internal Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Alison C. Bested, M.D. F.R.C.P.C.   Haematological Pathologist, Vancouver, BC. Canada

Todd Davenport, D.P.T., O.C.S.   Physical Therapy, Stockton, California, USA

Kenneth J. Friedman, Ph.D.   Physiology/ Natural Sciences, Castleton, Vermont, USA

Alan Gurwitt, M.D.   Psychiatry, Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, USA

Leonard A. Jason, Ph.D.   Clinical-Community Psychology, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Charles W. Lapp, M.D.   Primary Care, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Staci R. Stevens, M.A.   Exercise Physiology, Ripon, California, USA

Rosemary A.Underhill, M.B., B.S.   Physician, Palm Coast, Florida, USA

Rosamund Vallings, M.B., B.S.   Primary Care, Howick, New Zealand