Diagnostic Guidelines
Detailed guidance on the diagnosis of ME can be obtained from:
BMJ Best clinical practice
Updated information from Sep 2018 on the theory, diagnosis, management, follow up and resources for Chronic fatigue syndrome/ myalgic encephalomyelitis. Access through your NHS Open Athens account or request a free trial.
NICE – 2007 UK guidance now undergoing a major review
due to concerns about the recommended treatment
ME Association: ME/CFS/PVFS: an exploration of the key clinical issues
the ‘purple book’ is updated annually by UK GP Dr Charles Shepherd and neurologist Abhijit Chaudhuri. (Health professionals can contact the MEA for a free copy.)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – adult and pediatric: International Consensus Primer for medical practitioners
The 2011 International Consensus Primer covers criteria, pathophysiology, and diagnostic and treatment protocols and is a later development of the widely accepted Canadian criteria: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners (2005)
Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness
A 2015 US report giving a clinician’s guide, diagnostic algorithm and diagnostic criteria.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Diagnosis and management in young people: a primer (2017)
Although paediatric ME overlaps with adult ME this paediatric primer was developed to cover the many unique aspects of the diagnosis and management of paediatric ME/CFS.
