ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

654 studies

341–360 of 654 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Shared microglial mechanisms underpinning depression and chronic fatigue syndrome and their comorbidities.

Chaves-Filho, Adriano José Maia, Macedo, Danielle S, de Lucena, David Freitas et al.·Behavioural brain research·2019

This review examined how depression and ME/CFS might share common causes in the brain, specifically through immune cells called microglia. Researchers found that when these brain immune cells become overactive, they may trigger both depression and the fatigue characteristic of ME/CFS. The study suggests that reducing this immune activation could potentially help treat both conditions.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Child and adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: where are we now?

Gregorowski, Anna, Simpson, Jane, Segal, Terry Y·Current opinion in pediatrics·2019

This review looked at what we currently know about ME/CFS in children and teenagers, including what might cause it, how it affects their lives, and what treatments might help. The researchers found that ME/CFS is a serious condition that varies greatly from person to person, and that we still don't fully understand what causes it or have proven treatments that work for everyone. They highlight that more research is urgently needed, especially to help the most severely affected young people.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Larun, Lillebeth, Brurberg, Kjetil G, Odgaard-Jensen, Jan et al.·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2019

This review looked at whether exercise therapy helps people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that exercise probably reduces tiredness compared to usual care, and may slightly improve physical function and sleep. However, the long-term benefits are unclear, and the evidence comparing exercise to other treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy is limited.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.

Haß, Ulrike, Herpich, Catrin, Norman, Kristina·Nutrients·2019

This review looked at whether eating anti-inflammatory foods—like whole grains, vegetables rich in plant compounds, and omega-3 fatty acids—might help reduce fatigue in people with chronic illnesses. The researchers examined 21 human studies and found that while single nutrients alone showed mixed results, eating a balanced diet with these whole foods showed promise for improving fatigue. However, more research is still needed to confirm these findings.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Cognitive behavioural therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Health psychology open·2019

This study reviewed research on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for ME/CFS and found that it helps only a small number of patients with mild symptoms experience temporary subjective fatigue improvement. The improvement didn't translate into better physical fitness, job status, or disability benefits. Safety concerns were largely unreported in the original studies, but patient reports suggest about 1 in 5 people experienced negative outcomes.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Psychological impact of fibromyalgia: current perspectives.

Galvez-Sánchez, Carmen M, Duschek, Stefan, Reyes Del Paso, Gustavo A·Psychology research and behavior management·2019

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that often comes with fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. This review found that people with fibromyalgia frequently experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, and these psychological symptoms can make the physical illness worse. The study suggests that combining talk therapy or other psychological support with medication may help patients feel better and improve their quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis.

Birder, Lori A·International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association·2019

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder pain condition with no clear cause and no universally accepted treatment. This review examines how bladder pain occurs without obvious damage to bladder tissue or nerves, and notes that patients with this condition often have overlapping symptoms with other chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers use animal models and look for biomarkers in urine to better understand the condition and develop new treatments.

Pain and Sensitization

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Fatigue, Sleep, and Autoimmune and Related Disorders.

Zielinski, Mark R, Systrom, David M, Rose, Noel R·Frontiers in immunology·2019

Severe fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms reported by people with autoimmune diseases, including ME/CFS. This review examines how inflammation and the brain contribute to fatigue in these conditions. The authors explain that fatigue involves multiple body systems—including energy supply, metabolism, mood, and sleep—all of which can be disrupted by inflammation.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zhang, Qing, Gong, Jing, Dong, Haoxu et al.·Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society·2019

This review examined 16 studies testing whether acupuncture helps people with ME/CFS. The researchers found that acupuncture appeared to reduce fatigue more than fake acupuncture or herbal medicine treatments. However, most studies had quality problems, so the results may not be reliable, and the authors say we need better-designed studies before drawing firm conclusions.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A unifying theory for cognitive abnormalities in functional neurological disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: systematic review.

Teodoro, Tiago, Edwards, Mark J, Isaacs, Jeremy D·Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2018

Many people with ME/CFS report cognitive problems like brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. This review of 95 studies found that while patients consistently describe these symptoms, standard memory and thinking tests often show normal or only mild problems. The authors suggest that pain, fatigue, and the body's excessive self-monitoring may force the brain to work harder on everyday tasks, making thinking feel more exhausting even when test results look relatively normal.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review.

Roman, P, Carrillo-Trabalón, F, Sánchez-Labraca, N et al.·Beneficial microbes·2018

This review looked at whether probiotic supplements (live beneficial bacteria) might help people with ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. Researchers searched for high-quality studies and found only two small studies in ME/CFS patients. These studies showed that specific probiotic strains reduced anxiety and markers of inflammation, but there isn't enough evidence yet to say probiotics are a proven treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Exercise therapy is a beneficial intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome (PEDro synthesis).

Dannaway, Jasan, New, Cameron C, New, Charles H et al.·British journal of sports medicine·2018

This review examined multiple studies to determine whether exercise therapy helps people with ME/CFS. The researchers looked at existing evidence to see if physical activity programs could improve fatigue and other symptoms. However, it's important to note that findings on exercise for ME/CFS are complex and sometimes controversial in the patient community.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Rasa, Santa, Nora-Krukle, Zaiga, Henning, Nina et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2018

This review examined all existing research on whether viruses might cause ME/CFS. Scientists found that while many studies have looked at different viruses, the research has been poorly designed and inconsistent, making it hard to draw firm conclusions. The authors suggest that future studies need better planning and more rigorous methods to properly answer whether viruses play a role in ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Antibodies Against GPCR.

Meyer, Carlotto, Heidecke, Harald·Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)·2018

This review examines how the body's own antibodies (immune proteins) can mistakenly attack receptors on cell surfaces called GPCRs, which are involved in many bodily functions. The authors summarize evidence that these misdirected antibodies may play a role in several diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. Understanding these antibodies could help doctors develop better diagnostic tests and treatments.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Tomas, Cara, Newton, Julia·Biochemical Society transactions·2018

This review examines research showing that people with ME/CFS have problems with how their bodies use energy at a cellular level. Scientists have found several different metabolic abnormalities—issues with immune function, mitochondria (the cell's power plants), muscle acid buildup, and other energy-related problems—that could potentially be used as biomarkers (measurable signs) to diagnose the disease. However, no single test can yet reliably identify ME/CFS.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

Mikolasek, Michael, Berg, Jonas, Witt, Claudia M et al.·International journal of behavioral medicine·2018

Researchers reviewed 17 online programs that teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques to people with various medical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome. These digital programs generally showed benefits for overall health and mood, though they didn't clearly help with stress reduction or mindfulness skills themselves. The findings suggest these programs could be a helpful addition to standard medical treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Corbitt, Matthew, Campagnolo, N, Staines, D et al.·Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins·2018

This review looked at whether probiotics (beneficial bacteria) might help with stomach and bowel problems that many people with ME/CFS experience. Researchers searched medical databases and found 25 studies on this topic. While probiotics showed promise for irritable bowel syndrome in the general population, there wasn't enough good-quality research to say whether they actually help people with ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Tollit, Michelle, Politis, Jennifer, Knight, Sarah·The Journal of school health·2018

This review looked at 36 studies examining how ME/CFS affects students' school experiences. Researchers found that most studies only measured school absences, but didn't thoroughly look at other important aspects like grades, motivation, or what support students receive. The review highlights that we need better ways to measure and understand how ME/CFS impacts all areas of school life.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays.

Simeonova, Denitsa, Ivanovska, Mariya, Murdjeva, Mariana et al.·Current topics in medicinal chemistry·2018

This review examines how a condition called 'leaky gut'—where the intestinal barrier becomes too permeable, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream—may contribute to ME/CFS and other conditions affecting mood and energy. The authors summarize available blood and stool tests that can help doctors recognize leaky gut in practice. They identify specific markers (like immune responses to bacterial toxins and inflammatory proteins) that could signal intestinal barrier problems.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

Komaroff, Anthony L, Takahashi, Ryosuke, Yamamura, Takashi et al.·Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo·2018

This review examines objective, measurable evidence that ME/CFS is a real physical illness, not just a psychological condition. Researchers looked at studies showing that ME/CFS involves problems with the brain, immune system, and how the body uses energy. They found that immune activation—where the body's defense system becomes overactive—may be a key driver of ME/CFS symptoms.

Immune SystemCognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Shared microglial mechanisms underpinning depression and chronic fatigue syndrome and their comorbidities.

Child and adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: where are we now?

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review.

Psychological impact of fibromyalgia: current perspectives.

Pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis.

Fatigue, Sleep, and Autoimmune and Related Disorders.

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A unifying theory for cognitive abnormalities in functional neurological disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: systematic review.

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review.

Exercise therapy is a beneficial intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome (PEDro synthesis).

Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Antibodies Against GPCR.

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays.

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

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