ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1101–1120 of 6,157 studies

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Clinical heterogeneity in major depressive disorder underlies comorbidity with functional disorders.

Thomas, Nathaniel S, Gillespie, Nathan A, Neale, Michael C et al.·Journal of psychiatric research·2025

This study looked at whether depression and conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and IBS occur together more often than chance, and if so, why. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 people with depression and found that not all depression symptoms are equally linked to these conditions. They identified five different patterns of depression symptoms, with two patterns being most strongly associated with ME/CFS and related conditions.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Association between chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and cardiovascular disease.

Denu, Mawulorm K I, Revoori, Ritika, Eghan, Cherita et al.·Scientific reports·2025

This study found that people with ME/CFS are significantly more likely to have heart and cardiovascular problems compared to people without ME/CFS. Researchers analyzed health data from over 114,000 Americans and discovered that even after accounting for common heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, ME/CFS remained strongly linked to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that people with ME/CFS should be monitored more closely for heart health issues.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Effect of immunoadsorption on clinical presentation and immune alterations in COVID-19-induced and/or aggravated ME/CFS.

Anft, Moritz, Wiemers, Lea, Rosiewicz, Kamil S et al.·Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy·2025

This small study tested whether a blood-cleaning treatment called immunoadsorption could help people with ME/CFS symptoms that developed or worsened after COVID-19. The treatment removed harmful antibodies (immune proteins) from patients' blood, and researchers found it temporarily reduced inflammation markers and improved some brain function tests. However, patients' main ME/CFS symptoms and fatigue scores did not significantly improve, and the harmful antibodies came back within a month.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

A Signal for Voice and Speech Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Grach, Stephanie L, Seltzer, Jaime, Orbelo, Diana M·Journal of clinical medicine·2025

This study explored whether people with ME/CFS experience changes in their voice or speech. Researchers surveyed 685 people with ME/CFS and reviewed open-ended responses from 302 participants. About 9% of respondents mentioned voice or speech changes when describing their disease experience, suggesting this is a real symptom that deserves further attention.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Cognitive Impairments in Two Samples of Individuals with ME/CFS and Long COVID: A Comparative Analysis.

Sirotiak, Zoe, Adamowicz, Jenna L, Thomas, Emily B K·Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings·2025

This study looked at brain fog and concentration problems in people with ME/CFS and long COVID using data from over 27,000 Americans. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS are about 6 times more likely to experience cognitive difficulties like memory and concentration problems compared to people without these conditions, while long COVID increases the risk about 2 times. People who have both ME/CFS and long COVID together face even greater cognitive challenges.

Long COVID Overlap

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Increased galanin-galanin receptor 1 signaling, inflammation, and insulin resistance are associated with affective symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome due to long COVID.

Al Masoodi, Wasim Talib Mahdi, Radhi, Sami Waheed, Abdalsada, Habiba Khdair et al.·PloS one·2025

This study looked at 90 people, some with Long COVID and some without, to understand why Long COVID patients develop depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Researchers measured several substances in the blood related to inflammation and metabolism. They found that people with Long COVID had higher levels of inflammatory markers and abnormal insulin function, and these changes were linked to their mood and fatigue symptoms.

NeuroinflammationEnergy MetabolismImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Assessment of Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Syncope.

Milovanovic, Branislav, Markovic, Nikola, Petrovic, Masa et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2025

This study examined how the autonomic nervous system (the part that controls heart rate, blood pressure, and other automatic functions) works differently in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Researchers tested 440 people, including those with ME/CFS from unknown causes and those whose ME/CFS developed after COVID-19, using heart and blood pressure monitoring tests. They found that both ME/CFS groups had significant problems with autonomic function and experienced fainting or near-fainting episodes at high rates, though the post-COVID group showed somewhat different patterns.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Small fiber neuropathy in the post-COVID condition and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical significance and diagnostic challenges.

Azcue, Naiara, Teijeira-Portas, Sara, Tijero-Merino, Beatriz et al.·European journal of neurology·2025

This study found that both long-COVID patients and people with ME/CFS show signs of damage to small nerve fibers in the eyes and altered sensation to heat, compared to healthy people. Researchers used specialized imaging and tests to measure nerve fiber structure and how well patients could detect temperature changes. The findings suggest that small fiber nerve damage may contribute to symptoms like pain and abnormal sensations in these conditions.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Exploratory study on autoantibodies to arginine-rich human peptides mimicking Epstein-Barr virus in women with post-COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hoheisel, Friederike, Fleischer, Kathrin Maria, Rubarth, Kerstin et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2025

This study looked for certain antibodies in the blood of women with post-COVID and ME/CFS that might mistakenly attack the body's own proteins. The researchers found that patients with these conditions had more of these problematic antibodies than healthy people, and these antibodies were linked to common ME/CFS symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, pain, and autonomic problems. The results suggest that a virus (EBV) may trigger the immune system to attack human proteins that look similar to viral proteins.

Pain and SensitizationAutonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredLongitudinal

Sustained illness burden over time among Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Weigel, Breanna, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Thapaliya, Kiran et al.·PloS one·2025

This Australian study followed 32 people with ME/CFS over one year to document how the illness affects their lives. Participants reported an average of 30 symptoms at each check-in, with no improvement over the year, and their quality of life was significantly worse than the general population. The findings show that ME/CFS causes sustained, long-term disability that requires better support and recognition from Australian healthcare and disability services.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

The association of fatigue and pain with cognitive test performance in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Oosterman, Joukje M, van der Schaaf, Marieke, de Kleijn, Willemien P E et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2025

This study looked at how fatigue and pain affect thinking and memory problems in people with ME/CFS. Researchers tested 1,375 patients on tasks like reaction time and attention, and found that both fatigue severity and pain severity were linked to worse cognitive performance. The effects were stronger in older patients, suggesting that age may play a role in how much fatigue and pain impact thinking abilities.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Possible Racial Disparities in the Diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Jones, Chloe Lisette, Younger, Jarred·International journal of environmental research and public health·2025

This study looked at whether Black people and other racial minorities with ME/CFS symptoms are less likely to receive an official diagnosis compared to white people. Researchers surveyed over 1,100 people and found that white respondents were nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with ME/CFS than non-white respondents, even when they had similar symptoms. The findings suggest that racial bias may be affecting who gets diagnosed with ME/CFS.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredObservational

Low Vasopressin in Myalgic Encephalomyelitise/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Huhmar, Helena M, Soinne, Lauri S, Bertilson, Bo Christer et al.·Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists·2025

This study found that most people with ME/CFS have abnormally low levels of vasopressin, a hormone that helps your body control water balance and blood volume. The researchers measured this hormone and fluid markers in over 100 ME/CFS patients and discovered that 82% had vasopressin levels below the detectable range. This may help explain why many ME/CFS patients experience excessive thirst, frequent urination, and dizziness when standing up.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Efficacy of Eszopiclone Plus Acupuncture Therapy by Dispersing the Stagnated Liver-Qi and Regulating the Spirit for Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Related Sleep Disorders.

Huang, Bing, Geng, Yining, Liu, Lanlan·Psychiatry and clinical psychopharmacology·2025

This study looked at whether adding acupuncture to a sleep medication (eszopiclone) could help people with ME/CFS who struggle with sleep. Researchers compared 57 patients who received both the medication and acupuncture to 50 patients who received only the medication. The combined treatment group had better sleep quality, higher levels of chemicals in the blood that support mood and brain health, and fewer side effects.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Exploration of Intersections and Divergences of Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Kouyoumdjian, Joao A, Yamamoto, Leticia A, Graca, Carla R·Cureus·2025

This study looked at how Long COVID and ME/CFS might be related by comparing people with Long COVID symptoms to those without and healthy controls. While many Long COVID patients experienced symptoms that overlap with ME/CFS—like post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity), brain fog, and sleep problems—only about 1 in 5 Long COVID patients actually met the official diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. The findings suggest that Long COVID and ME/CFS are related but distinct conditions.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the 2021 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines on Public Perspectives Toward Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Thematic and Sentiment Analysis on Twitter (Rebranded as X).

Khakban, Iliya, Jain, Shagun, Gallab, Joseph et al.·Journal of medical Internet research·2025

Researchers analyzed nearly 900,000 posts about ME/CFS on Twitter from 2010 to 2024 to understand what patients and the public were discussing about the illness. They found that most posts were neutral (47%), but negative posts increased over time, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and when new UK treatment guidelines were published in 2021. Patients frequently expressed frustration about ME/CFS being dismissed as a mental health condition and celebrated the 2021 guidelines that recognized it as a physical disease.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Alterations in gut microbiota and associated metabolites in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cheng, Xinxin, Wang, Wenkuan, Xu, Tingting et al.·Scientific reports·2025

This study looked at the bacteria living in the gut of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people, and found that ME/CFS patients have fewer types of bacteria and lower levels of helpful compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that bacteria produce. The study found that people with ME/CFS who eat more fiber have higher levels of these beneficial compounds, suggesting diet may help restore some of the bacterial imbalances seen in ME/CFS.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Welfare benefit utilization for people with functional somatic disorder. A population-based cohort study.

Petersen, Marie Weinreich, Wellnitz, Kaare Bro, Carstensen, Tina Birgitte Wisbech et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2025

This study looked at how many weeks per year people with functional somatic disorder (FSD)—a condition with persistent physical symptoms that can't be explained by standard medical tests—used welfare benefits compared to people without FSD. Researchers in Denmark tracked about 9,600 people over 14 years and found that people with FSD used significantly more sickness benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability pensions than those without the condition. The findings show that FSD is a seriously disabling condition that affects people's ability to work and support themselves.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Peripheral Levels of Selected Biomarkers in Patients with Post-Sarcoidosis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Małujło-Balcerska, Elżbieta, Bączek, Karol, Górski, Witold et al.·Journal of inflammation research·2025

This study looked at 71 people with sarcoidosis (a disease that causes inflammation) to understand why some feel extremely tired even after their disease improves. Researchers measured inflammation markers in the blood and found that people with lingering fatigue had higher levels of a protein called IL-6 compared to those without fatigue. The findings suggest that low-grade inflammation may be keeping people fatigued even when their disease appears to be under control.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredObservational

The Clinical Relevance of Mast Cell Activation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Rohrhofer, Johanna, Ebner, Lilian, Schweighardt, Johannes et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

This study looked at whether mast cells—immune cells that release chemicals causing inflammation—play a role in ME/CFS. Researchers surveyed 687 ME/CFS patients and reviewed records from 383 others, finding that about 25% had signs of problematic mast cell activation. Importantly, patients with mast cell problems who received targeted treatment reported better symptom relief than those without mast cell involvement, suggesting this might be a treatable subtype of ME/CFS.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

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Clinical heterogeneity in major depressive disorder underlies comorbidity with functional disorders.

Association between chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and cardiovascular disease.

Effect of immunoadsorption on clinical presentation and immune alterations in COVID-19-induced and/or aggravated ME/CFS.

A Signal for Voice and Speech Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Cognitive Impairments in Two Samples of Individuals with ME/CFS and Long COVID: A Comparative Analysis.

Increased galanin-galanin receptor 1 signaling, inflammation, and insulin resistance are associated with affective symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome due to long COVID.

Assessment of Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Syncope.

Small fiber neuropathy in the post-COVID condition and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical significance and diagnostic challenges.

Exploratory study on autoantibodies to arginine-rich human peptides mimicking Epstein-Barr virus in women with post-COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sustained illness burden over time among Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

The association of fatigue and pain with cognitive test performance in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Possible Racial Disparities in the Diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Low Vasopressin in Myalgic Encephalomyelitise/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Efficacy of Eszopiclone Plus Acupuncture Therapy by Dispersing the Stagnated Liver-Qi and Regulating the Spirit for Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Related Sleep Disorders.

Exploration of Intersections and Divergences of Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the 2021 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines on Public Perspectives Toward Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Thematic and Sentiment Analysis on Twitter (Rebranded as X).

Alterations in gut microbiota and associated metabolites in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Welfare benefit utilization for people with functional somatic disorder. A population-based cohort study.

Peripheral Levels of Selected Biomarkers in Patients with Post-Sarcoidosis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The Clinical Relevance of Mast Cell Activation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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