ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1601–1620 of 6,188 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Who should we ask about mental health symptoms in adolescents with CFS/ME? Parent-child agreement on the revised children's anxiety and depression scale.

Serafimova, Teona, Loades, Maria, Gaunt, Daisy et al.·Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2021

This study looked at how well parents and teenagers with ME/CFS agreed when reporting on anxiety and depression symptoms. Researchers compared what 93 teenagers said about their mental health with what their parents said, using a standard questionnaire. Both teenagers and parents were reasonably accurate at spotting mental health problems, though teenagers more often reported reaching diagnostic thresholds. The findings suggest that doctors should listen to both the young person and their parent, since severe fatigue might make it harder for teenagers to fully report their symptoms on their own.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia-like symptoms are an integral component of the phenome of schizophrenia: neuro-immune and opioid system correlates.

Mousa, Rana Fadhil, Al-Hakeim, Hussein Kadhem, Alhaideri, Amer et al.·Metabolic brain disease·2021

This study looked at whether people with schizophrenia experience fatigue and pain symptoms similar to ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers measured blood markers related to immune system function and found that specific immune proteins and opioid system changes were associated with these physiosomatic symptoms. The findings suggest that abnormal immune activity and changes in the body's natural pain-relieving systems may contribute to these exhaustion and pain symptoms in schizophrenia patients.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Characterizing long COVID in an international cohort: 7 months of symptoms and their impact.

Davis, Hannah E, Assaf, Gina S, McCorkell, Lisa et al.·EClinicalMedicine·2021

This study surveyed nearly 3,800 people from around the world who had long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms lasting more than 28 days. By seven months after illness onset, most participants had not fully recovered and experienced an average of 56 symptoms affecting multiple body systems. The three most persistent symptoms were fatigue, post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity), and cognitive problems, with nearly 86% experiencing relapses triggered by exercise, physical activity, mental stress, or other exertion.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Association between chronic fatigue syndrome and suicidality among survivors of Middle East respiratory syndrome over a 2-year follow-up period.

Ahn, So-Hyun, Kim, Jeong Lan, Kim, Jang Rae et al.·Journal of psychiatric research·2021

This study followed people who recovered from MERS (a serious respiratory illness) for 2 years to see if chronic fatigue increased their risk of suicidal thoughts. Researchers found that people who had chronic fatigue were about 7.5 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than those without fatigue. This connection remained strong even when accounting for other factors that might affect mental health.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

An exploratory study of discrepancies between objective and subjective measurement of the physical activity level in female patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Vergauwen, Kuni, Huijnen, Ivan P J, Smeets, Rob J E M et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study compared two ways of measuring physical activity in women with ME/CFS: a written activity diary (where patients recorded what they did) and an accelerometer (a device that objectively tracks movement). The researchers found that the diary method was much less accurate in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. Interestingly, factors like symptom severity or quality of life didn't explain why the diary was unreliable—suggesting ME/CFS itself may affect how accurately patients can report their own activity levels.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Chronotropic Incompetence in Non-Hospitalized Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

Jimeno-Almazán, Amaya, Pallarés, Jesús G, Buendía-Romero, Ángel et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

Some people who recover from COVID-19 experience persistent fatigue and difficulty exercising for months afterward. This study tested 32 people with long-lasting COVID symptoms and found that about 12% had a specific heart problem called chronotropic incompetence—their heart rate doesn't increase normally during exercise. This heart rhythm problem may explain why some patients struggle with exercise intolerance after COVID-19.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Comorbidities in a Nationwide, Heterogenous Population of Veterans with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Laden, Bethany F, Bresee, Catherine, De Hoedt, Amanda et al.·Urology·2021

This study looked at how often people with bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) also have other health conditions, using data from a large group of veterans. Researchers found that people with IC/BPS are much more likely to have multiple overlapping conditions—including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, IBS, and migraines—as well as mental health challenges like depression and trauma. These patterns were especially strong in women.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Shadow Burden of Undiagnosed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) on Society: Retrospective and Prospective-In Light of COVID-19.

Araja, Diana, Berkis, Uldis, Lunga, Asja et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study examined how many people in Latvia may have ME/CFS symptoms but have never received a diagnosis, and investigated whether COVID-19 might cause similar long-term problems. Researchers compared symptom reports from diagnosed ME/CFS patients with undiagnosed people experiencing similar symptoms, and also tracked people who had recovered from COVID-19. The research found that undiagnosed patients face a significant financial burden on the healthcare system and themselves, and that COVID-19 can trigger ME/CFS-like symptoms in some people.

DiagnosticsLong COVID Overlap

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Warning Signals of Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of 197 Patients.

Ghali, Alaa, Lacout, Carole, Ghali, Maria et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study looked at whether certain new or unusual symptoms might warn ME/CFS patients that a post-exertional malaise (PEM) flare is coming. Researchers reviewed medical records from 197 ME/CFS patients and found that about 14% experienced mood changes or other new symptoms before their baseline symptoms got worse. Interestingly, these patients had less intense PEM flares than those without warning symptoms, suggesting these early signals might help patients prepare or prevent more severe crashes.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Associations between the gut microbiome and fatigue in cancer patients.

Hajjar, Joud, Mendoza, Tito, Zhang, Liangliang et al.·Scientific reports·2021

Researchers studied 88 cancer patients to see if the bacteria living in their gut were connected to cancer-related fatigue. They found that certain beneficial bacteria (Eubacterium hallii) were linked to lower fatigue levels, while other bacteria (Cosenzaea) were linked to higher fatigue. This suggests that the mix of gut bacteria might play a role in how tired cancer patients feel, opening the door to new treatments.

Gut Microbiome

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Sex-specific plasma lipid profiles of ME/CFS patients and their association with pain, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms.

Nkiliza, Aurore, Parks, Megan, Cseresznye, Adam et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2021

This study analyzed fatty substances in the blood of ME/CFS patients and healthy controls to see if they differ in ways that might explain symptoms. Researchers found that men and women with ME/CFS had different patterns of these blood fats compared to healthy people. Importantly, certain blood fats were connected to the severity of fatigue, headaches, and thinking difficulties, suggesting that problems with how the body processes fats may play a role in ME/CFS symptoms.

BiomarkersEnergy MetabolismImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Network Analysis of Symptoms Co-Occurrence in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Kujawski, Sławomir, Słomko, Joanna, Newton, Julia L et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2021

This study looked at how different ME/CFS symptoms appear together in patients. Researchers examined 110 Polish patients and used a network analysis method to see which symptoms tend to occur at the same time and which ones are most closely connected. They found that post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity), sleep problems, and memory/concentration difficulties were the most common symptoms, and that certain symptoms were strongly linked to each other.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Comparing Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Males: Response to Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Protocol.

van Campen, C Linda M C, Visser, Frans C·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

This study compared how men with ME/CFS respond to exercise testing on two consecutive days versus men with chronic fatigue that doesn't meet ME/CFS criteria. When ME/CFS patients exercised on the second day, they performed worse and couldn't reach the same levels they achieved on day one. Men with chronic fatigue (but not ME/CFS) actually improved on day two, similar to healthy people.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Potential of Activin B as a Clinical Biomarker in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Gravelsina, Sabine, Nora-Krukle, Zaiga, Vilmane, Anda et al.·Biomolecules·2021

Researchers tested whether a protein called activin B could be used as a simple blood test to diagnose ME/CFS. They compared activin B levels in 134 people with ME/CFS and 54 healthy people, but found no meaningful difference between the two groups. Based on these results, activin B does not appear to be a useful diagnostic tool for ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Nationwide epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome in South Korea.

Lim, Eun-Jin, Lee, Jin-Seok, Lee, Eun-Jung et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2021

This study looked at medical records from South Korea between 2010 and 2020 to understand how many people have ME/CFS and who gets diagnosed with it. Researchers found that about 45 out of every 100,000 people are newly diagnosed each year, and roughly 58 out of every 100,000 people have the condition overall. The number of diagnoses roughly doubled over the 10-year period, with women being about 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than men, and cases increasing with age.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Bourke, Julius H, Wodehouse, Theresa, Clark, Lucy V et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study tested whether ME/CFS and fibromyalgia involve a condition called 'central sensitisation,' where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals. Researchers compared pain sensitivity in 19 ME/CFS patients, 19 fibromyalgia patients, and 20 healthy people using physical tests. They found that 84% of ME/CFS patients and 95% of fibromyalgia patients showed signs of central sensitisation, while none of the healthy controls did.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue of nurses in view of the challenges of contemporary psychiatric care. Do temperament and work environment matter?

Sygit-Kowalkowska, Ewa·Psychiatria polska·2021

This study looked at fatigue in psychiatric nurses and found that most experienced moderate to high levels of chronic fatigue. The research suggests that workplace communication problems—like unclear instructions and poor teamwork—may contribute to this fatigue, and that some people's personality traits may make them more resilient to fatigue than others.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight.

Kuo, Chien-Feng, Shi, Leiyu, Lin, Cheng-Li et al.·Scientific reports·2021

This study looked at whether people who have had peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers often caused by H. pylori bacteria) are at higher risk of developing ME/CFS. Researchers compared hospital records from Taiwan for people with and without peptic ulcers over many years. They found that people with a history of peptic ulcers were about twice as likely to develop ME/CFS, with higher risk in women and older adults.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Evaluating Routine Blood Tests According to Clinical Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Baklund, Ingrid H, Dammen, Toril, Moum, Torbjørn Åge et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

Researchers compared blood test results from 149 ME/CFS patients with 264 healthy people to look for differences. They found that ME/CFS patients had higher levels of inflammation markers and certain blood cells, along with lower potassium and muscle enzyme levels. These differences suggest that ME/CFS may involve both inflammation and possible muscle or metabolic problems.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

A retrospective cross-sectional study on tinnitus prevalence and disease associations in the Dutch population-based cohort Lifelines.

Schubert, Nick M A, Rosmalen, Judith G M, van Dijk, Pim et al.·Hearing research·2021

This study looked at how common tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is in a large group of Dutch adults and found that about one-third experience it at some point. The researchers discovered that tinnitus is linked to various conditions including hearing problems, heart issues, depression, and notably, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Understanding these connections may help doctors better treat tinnitus and related conditions.

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Who should we ask about mental health symptoms in adolescents with CFS/ME? Parent-child agreement on the revised children's anxiety and depression scale.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia-like symptoms are an integral component of the phenome of schizophrenia: neuro-immune and opioid system correlates.

Characterizing long COVID in an international cohort: 7 months of symptoms and their impact.

Association between chronic fatigue syndrome and suicidality among survivors of Middle East respiratory syndrome over a 2-year follow-up period.

An exploratory study of discrepancies between objective and subjective measurement of the physical activity level in female patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronotropic Incompetence in Non-Hospitalized Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

Comorbidities in a Nationwide, Heterogenous Population of Veterans with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Shadow Burden of Undiagnosed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) on Society: Retrospective and Prospective-In Light of COVID-19.

Warning Signals of Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of 197 Patients.

Associations between the gut microbiome and fatigue in cancer patients.

Sex-specific plasma lipid profiles of ME/CFS patients and their association with pain, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms.

Network Analysis of Symptoms Co-Occurrence in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Comparing Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Males: Response to Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Protocol.

Potential of Activin B as a Clinical Biomarker in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Nationwide epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome in South Korea.

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Chronic fatigue of nurses in view of the challenges of contemporary psychiatric care. Do temperament and work environment matter?

How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight.

Evaluating Routine Blood Tests According to Clinical Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

A retrospective cross-sectional study on tinnitus prevalence and disease associations in the Dutch population-based cohort Lifelines.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research