ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

643 studies

441–460 of 643 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Defining recovery in chronic fatigue syndrome: a critical review.

Adamowicz, Jenna L, Caikauskaite, Indre, Friedberg, Fred·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2014

This review looked at 22 studies about ME/CFS to understand how researchers decide if someone has recovered. The researchers found that different studies use very different definitions of recovery—some only look at fatigue levels, others look at function, and some use simple yes/no assessments. The authors suggest that the word 'recovery' might not be accurate for many cases, and recommend using clearer terms like 'clinically significant improvement' instead.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Altered immune response to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic literature review.

Nijs, Jo, Nees, Andrea, Paul, Lorna et al.·Exercise immunology review·2014

When people with ME/CFS exercise, their immune system reacts differently than healthy people's immune systems do. This review looked at 23 studies comparing immune responses to exercise in ME/CFS patients versus healthy people. The key finding is that ME/CFS patients show stronger reactions in certain immune markers and more oxidative stress (damage from chemical imbalances), which may be connected to post-exertional malaise—the worsening of symptoms that happens after activity.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Irritable bowel syndrome: relations with functional, mental, and somatoform disorders.

Hausteiner-Wiehle, Constanze, Henningsen, Peter·World journal of gastroenterology·2014

This review looked at how irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) relates to other conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, as well as depression and anxiety. The authors found that IBS often occurs alongside these other conditions and that about half of IBS patients have no mental health symptoms, while the other half do. They suggest that doctors should treat IBS as a complex condition that affects multiple body systems and the mind, rather than separating physical symptoms from mental ones.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

[A literature review on Chinese medicine syndrome and syndrome elements of chronic fatigue syndrome].

Peng, Min, Ma, Hong-bo, Si, Guo-min·Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine·2014

This study reviewed 20 years of Chinese medicine research on ME/CFS to identify common patterns doctors observe in patients. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients typically show patterns the Chinese medicine tradition calls 'deficiency syndromes'—meaning the body's energy (qi) and vital resources are depleted—sometimes mixed with blockages or stagnation. The most common patterns involved the spleen, liver, kidneys, and heart systems.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Childhood stressors in the development of fatigue syndromes: a review of the past 20 years of research.

Borsini, A, Hepgul, N, Mondelli, V et al.·Psychological medicine·2014

This review looked at 31 studies to see if stressful experiences during childhood might increase the chance of developing ME/CFS or fibromyalgia later in life. The researchers found that people who experienced childhood stress were 2-3 times more likely to develop these fatigue conditions compared to those without such experiences. They also found that people with these conditions who had experienced childhood stress were more likely to also develop depression, anxiety, and pain.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Biological phenotypes underpin the physio-somatic symptoms of somatization, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Anderson, G, Berk, M, Maes, M·Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica·2014

This review examined research showing that the physical symptoms experienced in ME/CFS, depression, and somatization (medically unexplained symptoms) have real biological causes, not just psychological ones. The authors found that inflammation, immune system activation, and changes in how the body breaks down certain nutrients are linked to symptoms like fatigue, pain, and autonomic problems. Understanding these biological pathways may help explain why these conditions overlap and why symptoms feel so physically real.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

The adoption of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis case definitions to assess prevalence: a systematic review.

Johnston, Samantha, Brenu, Ekua W, Staines, Donald R et al.·Annals of epidemiology·2013

This study looked at 31 different research projects that tried to measure how many people have ME/CFS, and found that scientists were using 8 different sets of diagnostic criteria (rules for identifying the illness). The 1994 CDC criteria became the most commonly used worldwide, but the authors argue that newer, more precise diagnostic standards like the Canadian Consensus Criteria and International Consensus Criteria should be used instead to get more accurate prevalence numbers.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM not requiredGuideline

Generalised and regional soft tissue pain syndromes. The role of physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians. The European perspective based on the best evidence. A paper by the UEMS-PRM Section Professional Practice Committee.

Oral, A, Ilieva, E M, Küçükdeveci, A A et al.·European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine·2013

This paper describes how rehabilitation doctors in Europe can help patients with widespread and localized soft tissue pain conditions, including ME/CFS. The authors review the best available evidence for treatments like exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapies, and newer techniques like brain stimulation to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

A review of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Tomas, Cara, Newton, Julia, Watson, Stuart·ISRN neuroscience·2013

This review examined how ME/CFS affects the HPA axis, a system in the brain that controls stress hormones like cortisol. Researchers found that many ME/CFS patients have problems with this system, including lower cortisol levels and changes in how their bodies respond to stress. The review suggests that genetics, past trauma, and oxidative stress may play a role, and notes that women are more commonly affected than men.

Endocrine Disruption

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Is chronic fatigue syndrome the same illness as fibromyalgia: evaluating the 'single syndrome' hypothesis.

Abbi, B, Natelson, B H·QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians·2013

This study looked at whether ME/CFS and fibromyalgia are actually the same illness or two different conditions. Researchers reviewed published studies comparing these two syndromes and found meaningful differences between them, suggesting they are distinct illnesses rather than just variations of one condition. This finding helps doctors understand that these are separate health problems that may need different approaches to treatment.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Fear of movement and avoidance behaviour toward physical activity in chronic-fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: state of the art and implications for clinical practice.

Nijs, Jo, Roussel, Nathalie, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica et al.·Clinical rheumatology·2013

Many people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia avoid physical activity because they fear it will make their symptoms worse—a concern that is often justified by their experience. This review looked at how common this fear and avoidance are, how they affect people's lives, and what treatments work best. The research found that fear of movement is very prevalent in both conditions and is linked to worse symptoms and lower quality of life.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Is there effective behavioural treatment for children with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis?

Smith, Simon N, Crawley, Esther·Archives of disease in childhood·2013

This review examined whether talking therapies and behavioral approaches can effectively treat ME/CFS in children. The researchers looked at existing studies to understand what treatments have been tested and how well they worked. This helps doctors and families understand what options might help children with ME/CFS manage their condition.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

A narrative review on the similarities and dissimilarities between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and sickness behavior.

Morris, Gerwyn, Anderson, George, Galecki, Piotr et al.·BMC medicine·2013

This study compares ME/CFS with sickness behavior—the tired, achy feeling you get when you have the flu. While ME/CFS and sickness behavior share some symptoms like fatigue and body pain, they are fundamentally different conditions. Sickness behavior is your body's helpful, temporary response to infection that goes away once you recover, whereas ME/CFS is a chronic disease that persists long-term and involves ongoing immune system problems.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

The prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/ myalgic encephalomyelitis: a meta-analysis.

Johnston, Samantha, Brenu, Ekua W, Staines, Donald et al.·Clinical epidemiology·2013

This study looked at 14 different research studies to understand how many people have ME/CFS. The researchers found that when people reported their own symptoms, about 3.3% said they had ME/CFS, but when doctors clinically assessed patients, only about 0.76% were diagnosed. This big difference suggests that how doctors test for and diagnose ME/CFS matters a lot.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM not requiredGuideline

[Chronic fatigue syndrome].

Henningsen, P, Martin, A·Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)·2013

ME/CFS is characterized by persistent, severe fatigue that cannot be traced to a known medical condition. This guideline emphasizes that ME/CFS should be understood as a functional somatic syndrome, meaning the body's systems aren't working optimally even though traditional tests may appear normal. Treatment recommendations include cognitive behavioral therapy and gradually increasing physical activity, which have shown evidence of benefit.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Interventions in pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review.

Knight, Sarah J, Scheinberg, Adam, Harvey, Adrienne R·The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine·2013

This review looked at 21 different studies testing various treatments for ME/CFS in children and teenagers. The researchers found that talking therapies based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) showed the most promise, while rehabilitation programs showed weaker results. However, the studies were quite different from each other, making it hard to draw strong conclusions about what works best.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Unstimulated cortisol secretory activity in everyday life and its relationship with fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and subset meta-analysis.

Powell, Daniel J H, Liossi, Christina, Moss-Morris, Rona et al.·Psychoneuroendocrinology·2013

This review looked at whether cortisol levels (a stress hormone) measured in saliva throughout the day are different in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS showed a slightly smaller increase in cortisol when they first wake up, compared to healthy people. However, total cortisol levels during the day were not consistently related to how fatigued people felt.

Endocrine Disruption

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Sleep in the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mariman, An N, Vogelaers, Dirk P, Tobback, Els et al.·Sleep medicine reviews·2013

Many people with ME/CFS report that their sleep doesn't feel refreshing, even when they sleep a normal amount. This review looked at whether ME/CFS patients actually have measurable sleep problems. Surprisingly, when doctors measured sleep objectively using machines, ME/CFS patients' sleep looked similar to healthy people's sleep, even though patients reported feeling worse. This suggests that the problem may be more about how patients perceive their sleep quality rather than an actual biological sleep disorder.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Moss-Morris, Rona, Deary, Vincent, Castell, Bronwyn·Handbook of clinical neurology·2013

ME/CFS is a complex illness where extreme tiredness lasts at least 6 months and can severely limit daily activities. Rather than having one single cause, the condition likely develops from a combination of factors: some people may be triggered by viral infections or stressful life events, while others have genetic traits or personality patterns that increase risk. The condition is then maintained by a cycle involving sleep problems, reduced activity, worry about the illness, and uncertainty from doctors. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise have shown promise in helping reduce fatigue and improve function.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Fecal microbiota transplantation: past, present and future.

Aroniadis, Olga C, Brandt, Lawrence J·Current opinion in gastroenterology·2013

This review examines fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a treatment that restores healthy gut bacteria by transferring stool from a healthy donor to a patient. While FMT works very well for a specific bacterial infection, researchers are exploring whether it might help with other conditions including gut disorders and diseases affecting other parts of the body, such as chronic fatigue syndrome. The authors emphasize that more research is needed before FMT can be widely used for conditions beyond its proven application.

Immune System

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Evidence browser

Defining recovery in chronic fatigue syndrome: a critical review.

Altered immune response to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic literature review.

Irritable bowel syndrome: relations with functional, mental, and somatoform disorders.

[A literature review on Chinese medicine syndrome and syndrome elements of chronic fatigue syndrome].

Childhood stressors in the development of fatigue syndromes: a review of the past 20 years of research.

Biological phenotypes underpin the physio-somatic symptoms of somatization, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The adoption of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis case definitions to assess prevalence: a systematic review.

Generalised and regional soft tissue pain syndromes. The role of physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians. The European perspective based on the best evidence. A paper by the UEMS-PRM Section Professional Practice Committee.

A review of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Is chronic fatigue syndrome the same illness as fibromyalgia: evaluating the 'single syndrome' hypothesis.

Fear of movement and avoidance behaviour toward physical activity in chronic-fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: state of the art and implications for clinical practice.

Is there effective behavioural treatment for children with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis?

A narrative review on the similarities and dissimilarities between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and sickness behavior.

The prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/ myalgic encephalomyelitis: a meta-analysis.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome].

Interventions in pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review.

Unstimulated cortisol secretory activity in everyday life and its relationship with fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and subset meta-analysis.

Sleep in the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fecal microbiota transplantation: past, present and future.

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