ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2423 studies

1041–1060 of 2,423 studies

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The Metacognitions about Symptoms Control Scale: Development and Concurrent Validity.

Fernie, Bruce A, Maher-Edwards, Lorraine, Murphy, Gabrielle et al.·Clinical psychology & psychotherapy·2015

Researchers created a new questionnaire called the MaSCS to measure how people with ME/CFS think about their symptoms—specifically, how much they focus on symptoms and what they believe about controlling them. They tested this questionnaire with 124 ME/CFS patients and found it reliably measured two types of thinking: positive beliefs about symptom control and negative beliefs about symptom control. Both types of thinking were linked to how severe fatigue was, even when accounting for anxiety and depression.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Brain "fog," inflammation and obesity: key aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders improved by luteolin.

Theoharides, Theoharis C, Stewart, Julia M, Hatziagelaki, Erifili et al.·Frontiers in neuroscience·2015

This review discusses 'brain fog'—trouble thinking clearly, concentrating, and remembering—which affects people with ME/CFS and other conditions. Researchers suggest brain fog may be caused by inflammation and immune cells releasing harmful chemicals in the brain. A natural compound called luteolin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise in early studies for reducing brain fog symptoms.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The dopamine imbalance hypothesis of fatigue in multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

Dobryakova, Ekaterina, Genova, Helen M, DeLuca, John et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2015

This review examines why people with MS experience severe fatigue by looking at brain imaging studies and medication trials. The researchers propose that fatigue may result from a chemical imbalance in the brain involving dopamine, a messenger that helps different brain regions communicate with each other. They found that medications that boost dopamine can help reduce fatigue in various conditions, suggesting this chemical might be key to understanding fatigue.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases III: Manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies.

Samsel, Anthony, Seneff, Stephanie·Surgical neurology international·2015

This paper explores whether glyphosate (a common herbicide in Roundup) might deplete the body of manganese, an essential mineral needed for brain health, nerve protection, and gut bacteria balance. The authors suggest that low manganese levels could contribute to various neurological conditions and gut problems, and they propose a mechanism connecting herbicide exposure to these health issues.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of an Activity Pacing Questionnaire for Chronic Pain and Fatigue.

Antcliff, Deborah, Campbell, Malcolm, Woby, Steve et al.·Physical therapy·2015

This study tested a questionnaire designed to measure how well people with chronic fatigue and pain pace their activities—meaning how they balance rest and activity throughout the day. Researchers simplified the original 38-question survey down to 26 questions and identified five different ways people try to pace themselves: adjusting activities, keeping activities consistent, gradually increasing activities, planning activities, and accepting limitations. The questionnaire was found to be reliable and useful for measuring pacing strategies.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An Open-Label Phase II Study with Rituximab Maintenance Treatment.

Fluge, Øystein, Risa, Kristin, Lunde, Sigrid et al.·PloS one·2015

This study tested whether removing B-cells (immune cells) using a drug called rituximab could help ME/CFS patients. Twenty-nine patients received rituximab infusions over 15 months and were followed for 3 years. Eighteen patients (62%) showed lasting improvement in fatigue, with some staying better for over 2 years, though improvements took several months to appear.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

A Model of Post-Infection Fatigue Is Associated with Increased TNF and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in Mice.

Couch, Yvonne, Xie, Qin, Lundberg, Louise et al.·PloS one·2015

This study used mice to explore how infections might trigger the fatigue and depression-like symptoms seen in ME/CFS. After exposing mice to bacterial toxins (to mimic infection), researchers found that the animals showed signs of depression and fatigue even after obvious illness symptoms disappeared. The key finding was that certain brain receptors related to serotonin became more active, suggesting that changes in how the brain processes serotonin—rather than simply low serotonin levels—might explain fatigue after infection.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM requiredEditorial

Living with ME/CFS. challenge for scientists?

Weiler, John J A·Neuro endocrinology letters·2015

This case describes a person with ME/CFS for 19 years who experienced an unusual pattern: they could run 10 kilometers without problems, but later that same day, 30 minutes of browsing for books triggered severe exhaustion, muscle pain, and brain fog lasting into the next day. This puzzling difference highlights how ME/CFS symptoms don't always follow expected patterns and suggests that exercise intolerance in ME/CFS may be more complex than previously thought.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Capturing the post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue following physical and cognitive challenge in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Keech, Andrew, Sandler, Carolina X, Vollmer-Conna, Ute et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2015

This study developed a new questionnaire called the Fatigue and Energy Scale (FES) to measure the specific type of exhaustion that ME/CFS patients experience after physical or mental activity. Researchers talked with 19 patients to understand what their fatigue feels like, then tested the questionnaire with patients doing exercise, driving simulation, and everyday tasks. The results showed that the FES successfully captured both the physical tiredness and mental fog that worsens after activity in ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

"United We Stand": Framing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in a Virtual Symbolic Community.

Lian, Olaug S, Nettleton, Sarah·Qualitative health research·2015

This study looked at how people with ME/CFS connect and support each other on Norwegian internet forums. Researchers analyzed discussions across 14 online communities to understand what brings these groups together and how they create shared meaning around their condition. The study found that these online communities help people with ME/CFS feel less alone and may influence how society views their illness.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Test-Retest Reliability of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire.

Jason, Leonard A, So, Suzanna, Brown, Abigail A et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2015

Researchers tested whether the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ)—a tool designed to help doctors diagnose ME/CFS—gives consistent results when used multiple times. They asked 26 people with ME/CFS and 25 healthy people to answer the same questions at different times. The questionnaire proved reliable, meaning patients' answers were consistent, making it a trustworthy tool for identifying who has ME/CFS.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms.

Twisk, Frank Nm·World journal of methodology·2015

ME and CFS are often treated as the same condition, but they are actually different illnesses with some overlapping symptoms. ME has specific features like muscle weakness, brain fog, heart and circulation problems, and especially a distinctive symptom called post-exertional malaise—where patients feel much worse after even small amounts of activity. Because many ME/CFS symptoms feel subjective, some doctors have questioned whether they are real physical problems, but this article argues that objective medical tests can measure key symptoms and help doctors diagnose these conditions more accurately.

Cognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Variability in Symptoms Complicates Utility of Case Definitions.

McManimen, Stephanie L, Jason, Leonard A, Williams, Yolonda J·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2015

This study looked at how ME/CFS is defined and diagnosed across different research centers. Researchers found that when different studies measure key symptoms like post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity), unrefreshing sleep, and brain fog, they get very different numbers—suggesting that either different patients are being studied, or researchers are asking questions in different ways. The study concluded that ME/CFS research needs more standardized, consistent methods for measuring symptoms so findings can be compared fairly.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A New Promising Therapeutic Approach?

Gambuzza, Maria Elsa, Salmeri, Francesca Maria, Soraci, Luca et al.·CNS & neurological disorders drug targets·2015

This review examines how certain immune system sensors called Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may contribute to ME/CFS. These receptors sit on cells in the gut and detect bacteria and other microbes, triggering inflammation that may spread to the brain and cause fatigue and other symptoms. The researchers suggest that targeting these TLRs with new medications might help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

NeuroinflammationGut MicrobiomeImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Exercise, not to exercise, or how to exercise in patients with chronic pain? Applying science to practice.

Daenen, Liesbeth, Varkey, Emma, Kellmann, Michael et al.·The Clinical journal of pain·2015

This review examines how exercise affects people with chronic pain, including ME/CFS. While exercise helps many chronic pain conditions, some patients—especially those with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and chronic whiplash—experience worsening symptoms or 'crashes' after exercising. The authors emphasize that exercise programs need to be carefully tailored to each person, with proper recovery time built in, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Effects of Time Frame on the Recall Reliability of CFS Symptoms.

Evans, Meredyth, Jason, Leonard A·Evaluation & the health professions·2015

This study looked at how accurately people with ME/CFS can remember and report their symptoms depending on how far back they think about (one week, one month, or six months). Researchers found that asking patients to recall symptoms from the past six months was most reliable for most symptoms, though joint pain was best recalled over one month. This matters because doctors need to know the best time frame to ask about when diagnosing ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Experiences of daily activity in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their implications for rehabilitation programmes.

Pemberton, Sue, Cox, Diane L·Disability and rehabilitation·2014

This study interviewed 14 people with ME/CFS to understand how they experience daily activities. Researchers found that before becoming ill, most participants were very active and had difficulty taking breaks. When they got sick, they tried to keep pushing themselves to do as much as before, which led to worsening symptoms. The study suggests that rehabilitation programs should take into account people's attitudes toward activity and rest, not just focus on changing what they do.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not required

Complete eradication of chronic long standing eczema and keratosis pilaris following treatment with dextroamphetamine sulfate.

Check, J H, Chan, S·Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology·2014

This study describes two patients with ME/CFS who also had long-standing skin conditions (eczema and keratosis pilaris) that improved significantly when treated with dextroamphetamine, a stimulant medication. The authors suggest these skin problems may be related to an underactive nervous system that is also involved in ME/CFS, and that stimulant treatment may help both conditions.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Isoflavones inhibit poly(I:C)-induced serum, brain, and skin inflammatory mediators - relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Vasiadi, Magdalini, Newman, Jennifer, Theoharides, Theoharis C·Journal of neuroinflammation·2014

This study tested whether isoflavones (plant compounds found in soy) could reduce inflammation and fatigue-like symptoms in mice exposed to immune triggers and stress. Mice given a high-isoflavone diet showed less activity loss and lower inflammation markers in their blood, brain, and skin compared to mice on regular diet. The findings suggest isoflavones might help reduce some ME/CFS symptoms by calming the body's immune response.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

Clinical features in patients with long-lasting macrophagic myofasciitis.

Rigolet, Muriel, Aouizerate, Jessie, Couette, Maryline et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2014

This study describes macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF), a condition where aluminum from vaccines persists in muscle tissue and causes long-lasting symptoms similar to ME/CFS, including widespread pain, severe fatigue, and significant problems with thinking and memory. Patients show patterns of brain abnormalities on imaging scans, and their cognitive problems appear to be caused by brain dysfunction rather than just pain or depression. The researchers found that standard treatments don't work well for these patients, making their condition particularly disabling.

Neuroinflammation

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Evidence browser

The Metacognitions about Symptoms Control Scale: Development and Concurrent Validity.

Brain "fog," inflammation and obesity: key aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders improved by luteolin.

The dopamine imbalance hypothesis of fatigue in multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases III: Manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of an Activity Pacing Questionnaire for Chronic Pain and Fatigue.

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An Open-Label Phase II Study with Rituximab Maintenance Treatment.

A Model of Post-Infection Fatigue Is Associated with Increased TNF and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in Mice.

Living with ME/CFS. challenge for scientists?

Capturing the post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue following physical and cognitive challenge in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

"United We Stand": Framing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in a Virtual Symbolic Community.

Test-Retest Reliability of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire.

Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms.

Variability in Symptoms Complicates Utility of Case Definitions.

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A New Promising Therapeutic Approach?

Exercise, not to exercise, or how to exercise in patients with chronic pain? Applying science to practice.

Effects of Time Frame on the Recall Reliability of CFS Symptoms.

Experiences of daily activity in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their implications for rehabilitation programmes.

Complete eradication of chronic long standing eczema and keratosis pilaris following treatment with dextroamphetamine sulfate.

Isoflavones inhibit poly(I:C)-induced serum, brain, and skin inflammatory mediators - relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Clinical features in patients with long-lasting macrophagic myofasciitis.

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