Introduction

Diagnosing ME

The National Academy of Medicine (formerly Institute of Medicine) diagnostic criteria were developed in 2015 specifically for use in clinical practice, and apply to both adults and children. Note that the IOM/NAM originally used the term Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID) to refer to ME/CFS.

Diagnostic criteria (IOM 2015) require

  1. Post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is an abnormal response to physical or cognitive exertion,

  2. A substantial reduction or impairment in the ability to engage in pre-illness levels of activity (accompanied by fatigue),

  3. Unrefreshing sleep, and

  4. Cognitive impairment and/or orthostatic intolerance

Additional symptoms may be present and relevant for a treatment plan but are not diagnostic.

Managing ME

Key points are:

View our ME Update prepared for Rotorua 2023 GP CME for a short management summary for ME/CFS including pacing, treatments and supports.

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Presentations

Continuing Medical Education

RNZCGP accredited CME (Continuing Medical Education)

International Continuing Medical Education


Clinical Guidelines

Quick Guides for Doctors:

For doctors new to caring for people with ME, we recommend supplementing these quick guides with Primers (see next section) and wider reading.

Primers (comprehensive in-depth guides)


Professional Associations

  • IACFSME - International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
    For researchers, clinicians and health care professionals interested in ME/CFS activities, and those involved in agencies related to ME/CFS

  • Doctors with ME
    For medical practitioners, scientists and researchers in the field of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

  • Physios for ME
    Based in the UK, they welcome connections with physiotherapists from anywhere


Severe ME


Information for Nurses


Information for School Nurses and Counsellors


Information For Physiotherapists

  • Physios for ME, UK. See their website here


Information For Mental Health Professionals


Information For Anaesthetists


Research

International Research Overview Summaries

International Research Summaries

New Zealand Research

 
 

Post-Covid Fatigue Syndromes


Essential Watching

Also refer to our Conference List.


Books


Resources by M.E. Awareness NZ