ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

654 studies

221–240 of 654 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Is It Useful to Question the Recovery Behaviour of Patients with ME/CFS or Long COVID?

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Friso·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2022

This review looked at research studies testing two treatments commonly recommended for ME/CFS: graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The researchers found that patients were actually more likely to be unable to work after receiving these treatments than before, and that both treatments can be harmful. The authors conclude that doctors should stop encouraging ME/CFS patients to push themselves harder to recover, since these approaches don't work and may make things worse.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Fang, Yang, Yue, Bo-Wen, Ma, Han-Bo et al.·Medicine·2022

This review looked at 51 studies testing whether acupuncture and moxibustion (traditional Chinese medicine treatments) help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers combined results from these studies and found that traditional Chinese medicine treatments, especially moxibustion alone or combined with acupuncture, showed better improvements in fatigue symptoms compared to other treatments like standard Western medicines.

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

What Primary Care Practitioners Need to Know about the New NICE Guideline for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults.

Kingdon, Caroline, Lowe, Adam, Shepherd, Charles et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2022

The new NICE guideline (published October 2021) represents an important shift in how ME/CFS is recognized and treated. It acknowledges that ME/CFS is a serious medical condition, recognizes post-exertional malaise as a core symptom, and recommends against treatments like graded exercise therapy that can worsen symptoms. Instead, it calls for personalized care plans developed by a team of healthcare professionals who understand the condition.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Stigma perceived by patients with functional somatic syndromes and its effect on health outcomes - A systematic review.

Ko, Charlotte, Lucassen, Peter, van der Linden, Britt et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2022

This review examined whether patients with functional somatic syndromes like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and IBS experience more stigma and negative health effects than patients with other medical conditions. The researchers found that ME/CFS and fibromyalgia patients did experience higher levels of stigma compared to patients with clearly explained medical conditions, and stigma was linked to worse health outcomes in all groups studied.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

What treatments work for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome? An updated systematic review.

Clery, Philippa, Royston, Alexander, Driver, Katie et al.·BMJ open·2022

This review looked at studies on treating anxiety and depression in children with ME/CFS. Researchers found only 16 studies since 1991 that measured these mental health symptoms. While some treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) showed promise, the quality of evidence was poor and there were too few studies to say which treatments actually work best for children with ME/CFS who have anxiety or depression.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The underlying sex differences in neuroendocrine adaptations relevant to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Thomas, Natalie, Gurvich, Caroline, Huang, Katherine et al.·Frontiers in neuroendocrinology·2022

This review examines why ME/CFS affects women much more often than men and how sex hormones may play a role. The authors found that female hormonal changes—such as those during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause—are linked to ME/CFS onset and symptoms. They suggest that differences in how men's and women's bodies handle stress hormones like cortisol and estrogen may help explain why women develop ME/CFS more frequently and sometimes experience different symptoms.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEvidence-Map

Fatigue, post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition.

Arienti, Chiara, Cordani, Claudio, Lazzarini, Stefano G et al.·European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine·2022

This study looked at what treatments have helped people with fatigue and exercise problems in other conditions to understand what might help people with long COVID. Researchers found that exercise programs, telehealth rehabilitation, and educational interventions showed promise for fatigue, while combined aerobic and anaerobic training helped with exercise intolerance. However, they found very little research specifically on post-exertional malaise (feeling much worse after activity) or orthostatic intolerance (dizziness when standing), which are key symptoms in post-COVID and ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredMeta-Analysis

Pain-Related Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Three-Level Meta-Analysis.

Barhorst, Ellen E, Boruch, Alexander E, Cook, Dane B et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2022

This review examined whether people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia experience increased pain after exercise. Researchers combined data from 15 studies and found that yes, patients do have more pain after physical activity than healthy people do—especially when pain was measured 8-72 hours later. This confirms that pain is a real and significant part of post-exertional malaise (the worsening of symptoms after activity).

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection and Risk of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mozhgani, Sayed-Hamidreza, Rajabi, Farid, Qurbani, Mohsen et al.·Intervirology·2022

This study reviewed and combined the results of 17 different research studies to see if there's a connection between a common virus called HHV-6 and ME/CFS. The researchers found evidence suggesting that HHV-6 infection may be associated with developing ME/CFS, but they emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Mindfulness Meditation Interventions for Long COVID: Biobehavioral Gene Expression and Neuroimmune Functioning.

Porter, Nicole, Jason, Leonard A·Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment·2022

This review examines whether mindfulness meditation—a practice involving focused attention and relaxation—might help people with Long COVID and ME/CFS. The authors looked at existing research showing that meditation can reduce fatigue and sleep problems, and may help calm inflammation in the body after viral infections. They suggest that meditation could be a helpful tool to manage symptoms and potentially address some of the underlying biological problems in these conditions.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Breast Implant-Associated Immunological Disorders.

Suh, Lily J, Khan, Imran, Kelley-Patteson, Christine et al.·Journal of immunology research·2022

This review examined reports of illness associated with breast implants, which can cause fatigue, joint pain, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms similar to those in ME/CFS. Researchers found evidence that breast implants may trigger autoimmune problems in some people, and that removing implants improved symptoms in over half of patients studied. The review suggests that bacterial infections around implants, rather than the implant material itself, might be responsible for these problems.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Stabilometric Biofeedback Training in Cognitive and Affective Function Improvement. Contribution of the Russian Scientific School. Part II.

Bazanova, O M, Kovaleva, A V·Human physiology·2022

This review examines how balance training using computer feedback can help improve thinking, mood, and symptom management in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and other neurological conditions. The researchers looked at studies from Russia and other countries that used a technique called stabilometric biofeedback, which shows patients real-time information about their body's balance and posture to help them improve control and function.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.

Altuna, M, Sánchez-Saudinós, Mª B, Lleó, A·Neurology perspectives·2021

COVID-19 can cause cognitive problems—such as difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering—that sometimes last for months after infection. These cognitive symptoms can happen even in people with mild COVID cases, which is unusual compared to other viral illnesses. This review found that cognitive problems after COVID share similarities with symptoms seen in ME/CFS and can significantly affect daily life and quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Neurological Entity?

Murga Gandasegui, Iñigo, Aranburu Laka, Larraitz, Gargiulo, Pascual-Ángel et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

This review examines whether ME/CFS is primarily a neurological disorder by looking at brain imaging studies and tests of the autonomic nervous system (the part that controls automatic body functions like heart rate). The authors found that while brain imaging shows various changes in ME/CFS patients, these changes aren't specific enough to diagnose the condition on their own. However, specialized tests measuring heart rate variability and immune responses show promise as potential biomarkers that could help identify and monitor ME/CFS.

BiomarkersPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM unclearGuideline

Approach to Fatigue: Best Practice.

Dukes, Jason C, Chakan, Matthew, Mills, Aaron et al.·The Medical clinics of North America·2021

Fatigue can come from many different causes, so doctors need to carefully listen to patients' histories and perform physical exams rather than just ordering lots of tests. Fatigue may be caused by an underlying medical condition that can be treated, or it may be a primary condition on its own (now called system exertion intolerance disease). Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for primary fatigue, so treatment focuses on personalized exercise programs and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Post COVID-19 Syndrome in Patients with Asymptomatic/Mild Form.

Malkova, Annа, Kudryavtsev, Igor, Starshinova, Anna et al.·Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

Some people develop long-term symptoms weeks or months after having a mild or even asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. This review found that fatigue, breathing problems, cough, and loss of smell are common in these cases, affecting about 30-60% of patients, mostly women. The researchers suggest these symptoms may be caused by the virus damaging the nervous system or triggering the immune system to attack nerve cells, similar to what happens in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Associations Between Psychological and Immunological Variables in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Systematic Review.

Raanes, Emilie F W, Stiles, Tore C·Frontiers in psychiatry·2021

This review looked at 14 studies to understand how the mind and immune system are connected in ME/CFS. Researchers found that psychological factors like sleep quality, how people manage emotions, and how well they interact with others were linked to immune markers called cytokines. While these connections exist, the evidence is still limited and most studies were done at single points in time rather than following patients over years.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Cost-effectiveness of Interventions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations.

Cochrane, M, Mitchell, E, Hollingworth, W et al.·Applied health economics and health policy·2021

This review looked at whether ME/CFS treatments are worth the money they cost. Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a type of talking therapy—appears to be cost-effective for some adults with ME/CFS, though results varied depending on how it was delivered. There is much less evidence for other treatments, and very little research on what works best for children with ME/CFS.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Systematic Review of Mind-Body Interventions to Treat Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Khanpour Ardestani, Samaneh, Karkhaneh, Mohammad, Stein, Eleanor et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

Researchers looked at 12 studies examining whether mind-body techniques like meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises could help ME/CFS symptoms. Most studies found these techniques improved fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and helped people feel better overall. However, the studies were small and used different methods, so we need more research to know how well these treatments really work.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Review: How has cognitive behaviour therapy been adapted for adolescents with comorbid depression and chronic illness? A scoping review.

Morey, Alice, Loades, Maria E·Child and adolescent mental health·2021

This review looked at how therapy called cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been modified to help teenagers with both depression and long-term illnesses like diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. The researchers found that CBT is often adapted by helping young people think differently about their illness, do activities they enjoy while managing their condition, and involving their family. However, there is still limited research showing how well these adapted treatments actually work for this group.

Cognitive Impairment

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Is It Useful to Question the Recovery Behaviour of Patients with ME/CFS or Long COVID?

Acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

What Primary Care Practitioners Need to Know about the New NICE Guideline for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults.

Stigma perceived by patients with functional somatic syndromes and its effect on health outcomes - A systematic review.

What treatments work for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome? An updated systematic review.

The underlying sex differences in neuroendocrine adaptations relevant to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Fatigue, post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition.

Pain-Related Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Three-Level Meta-Analysis.

Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection and Risk of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mindfulness Meditation Interventions for Long COVID: Biobehavioral Gene Expression and Neuroimmune Functioning.

Breast Implant-Associated Immunological Disorders.

Stabilometric Biofeedback Training in Cognitive and Affective Function Improvement. Contribution of the Russian Scientific School. Part II.

Cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Neurological Entity?

Approach to Fatigue: Best Practice.

Post COVID-19 Syndrome in Patients with Asymptomatic/Mild Form.

Associations Between Psychological and Immunological Variables in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Systematic Review.

Cost-effectiveness of Interventions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations.

Systematic Review of Mind-Body Interventions to Treat Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Review: How has cognitive behaviour therapy been adapted for adolescents with comorbid depression and chronic illness? A scoping review.

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