ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1801–1820 of 6,188 studies

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The unifying diagnostic construct of bodily distress syndrome (BDS) was confirmed in the general population.

Petersen, Marie Weinreich, Schröder, Andreas, Jørgensen, Torben et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2020

This study looked at whether a diagnostic framework called Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS) can help organize the overlapping symptoms seen in conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers interviewed nearly 1,600 people from the general population about their symptoms and found that symptoms naturally grouped into four clusters (heart/lung, stomach, muscle/joint, and general fatigue symptoms). The BDS framework successfully categorized people based on how many symptom clusters they experienced, suggesting it could be a useful way to diagnose and understand these complex multi-system conditions.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Maximal handgrip strength can predict maximal physical performance in patients with chronic fatigue.

Jammes, Yves, Stavris, Chloé, Charpin, Caroline et al.·Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)·2020

Researchers tested whether hand grip strength could predict how well patients with ME/CFS could exercise on a stationary bike. They found that patients with stronger hand grip were able to exercise harder and use more oxygen. This suggests that a simple hand grip test might help doctors understand a patient's exercise capacity without needing expensive equipment.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Phytotherapy for Cachexia: Where Do We Stand?

Kuchta, Kenny, Cameron, Silke·Frontiers in pharmacology·2020

This review examines herbal medicines used in Japan and Russia to treat cachexia—a condition of muscle loss, weight loss, and fatigue. The researchers found that three traditional plant-based preparations (Hochuekkito, Juzentaihoto, and Rikkunshito) showed promise in clinical studies for reducing fatigue, increasing weight, and improving overall health in patients with cancer, COPD, dementia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Since no approved medications currently exist for cachexia in Western medicine, the authors suggest these herbal treatments deserve further research and potential use in Europe and North America.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The Role of Iron Metabolism in Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Knyszyńska, Anna, Radecka, Aleksandra, Zabielska, Paulina et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2020

This study looked at whether iron levels in the blood are connected to fatigue, depression, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers tested blood samples from 90 MS patients and found that people with lower iron storage (ferritin) levels tended to have worse depression and lower quality of life. The study suggests that iron deficiency might play a role in how MS patients experience fatigue and mood problems.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredObservational

Post-exertional malaise in veterans with gulf war illness.

Lindheimer, Jacob B, Stegner, Aaron J, Wylie, Glenn R et al.·International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology·2020

This study looked at whether veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI) experience post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a worsening of symptoms after physical activity. Sixty-seven veterans completed a 30-minute exercise session, and researchers measured their fatigue, pain, and other symptoms before, immediately after, and 24 hours later. Veterans with GWI reported worse overall health and found the exercise more painful and tiring than healthy veterans, but only those who had specifically reported feeling unwell after exertion showed significant symptom worsening 24 hours later.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Eaton-Fitch, N, Johnston, S C, Zalewski, P et al.·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2020

This Australian study of 480 people with ME/CFS found that the condition severely impacts quality of life across all major areas—physical functioning, emotional well-being, pain, and energy levels. People with ME/CFS scored much lower on quality of life measures compared to the general population, with the lowest scores for physical activities and fatigue. The study identified specific symptoms like cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues that are most strongly linked to reduced quality of life.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Health-related quality of life in Norwegian adolescents living with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Similä, Wenche Ann, Halsteinli, Vidar, Helland, Ingrid B et al.·Health and quality of life outcomes·2020

This study measured how ME/CFS affects the quality of life of teenagers in Norway. Researchers found that adolescents with ME/CFS reported significantly lower quality of life compared to healthy peers, with boys reporting better outcomes than girls. Having support from teachers, attending school, participating in activities, and avoiding depression were linked with better quality of life.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCase-Control

Cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: A case-control study nested within a cohort.

Loades, Maria Elizabeth, Rimes, Katharine, Lievesley, Kate et al.·Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2019

This study looked at how adolescents with ME/CFS think about and respond to their symptoms, compared to teenagers with asthma. Researchers found that young people with ME/CFS tend to have unhelpful thought patterns—like believing symptoms cause permanent damage—and unhelpful behaviors like pushing through activity or avoiding it completely. These unhelpful patterns were linked to more fatigue and disability over a 3-month follow-up period.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity of a revised metacognitions about symptoms control scale.

Fernie, Bruce A, Aoun, Amanda, Kollmann, Josianne et al.·Clinical psychology & psychotherapy·2019

This study created a new questionnaire called the MaSCS-R to measure how people with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and diabetes think about controlling their symptoms. Researchers tested the questionnaire in three languages (English, German, and Arabic) with over 500 patients. They found that negative thoughts about symptom control were linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and symptom severity across all three patient groups.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The effect of comorbid medical and psychiatric diagnoses on chronic fatigue syndrome.

Natelson, Benjamin H, Lin, Jin-Mann S, Lange, Gudrun et al.·Annals of medicine·2019

This study looked at whether ME/CFS patients who also have other conditions—like depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome—experience worse fatigue or more severe ME/CFS symptoms. Researchers found that psychiatric conditions were common in ME/CFS patients but didn't actually make their fatigue or other core ME/CFS symptoms worse, though they did affect mental well-being. However, having multiple medically unexplained syndromes together (like fibromyalgia plus IBS) was linked to greater disability and more symptoms.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Circulating levels of GDF15 in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Melvin, A, Lacerda, E, Dockrell, H M et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2019

This study measured a protein called GDF15 in the blood of ME/CFS patients and compared it to healthy people. GDF15 is released by cells when they are stressed or damaged. The researchers found that patients with severe ME/CFS had higher levels of GDF15 than healthy controls, and the levels of this protein were linked to how tired patients felt. The GDF15 levels stayed relatively stable over several months, suggesting it could be a useful marker for measuring cellular stress in ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Unemployment and work disability in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a community-based cross-sectional study from Spain.

Castro-Marrero, Jesús, Faro, Mónica, Zaragozá, María Cleofé et al.·BMC public health·2019

This Spanish study looked at 1,086 people with ME/CFS to understand why some are unable to work. Researchers found that more than half (58.6%) were unemployed due to illness. Several factors made work disability more likely, including severe fatigue and pain, autonomic problems (like dizziness or heart issues), neurological symptoms, depression, sleep problems, and having pain start at an older age.

Sleep

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearLongitudinal

Psychological and demographic factors associated with fatigue and social adjustment in young people with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a preliminary mixed-methods study.

Ali, Sheila, Adamczyk, Lucy, Burgess, Mary et al.·Journal of behavioral medicine·2019

This study followed 51 young people (aged 12-25) with severe ME/CFS over about 5 months to understand what affects their fatigue and ability to attend school or work. Researchers found that young people who were more afraid of activity and worried about making their symptoms worse tended to have higher fatigue levels and struggled more with social life. Interestingly, girls were less likely to attend school or work, but this wasn't connected to having worse fatigue or social problems.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearCross-Sectional

HOW PSYCHIATRIC REFERRALS INFLUENCE STIGMATIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: AN EXAMINATION OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH MODELS.

Terman, Julia M, Cotler, Joseph, Jason, Leonard A·Community psychology in global perspective·2019

This study looked at how ME/CFS patients feel when their doctors refer them to psychiatrists or psychologists. Researchers found that patients who received these referrals were more likely to feel stigmatized (judged or looked down upon) and to feel isolated from others. The experience was different in the United States and United Kingdom, suggesting that healthcare systems and culture play a role in how these referrals affect patients.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Musculoskeletal Pain in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Reflects Three Distinct Profiles.

Falling, Carrie, Stebbings, Simon, Baxter, George D et al.·The Clinical journal of pain·2019

Most people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience muscle and joint pain, but the pain works differently in different people. This study found three distinct groups: one with mixed types of pain, one with pain driven by nervous system sensitivity, and one with pain in specific areas that improves when the IBD is under control. The group with nervous system-driven pain had higher rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Assessing chronic fatigue syndrome: Self-reported physical functioning and correlations with physical testing.

Eyskens, Jan B, Illegems, Jela, De Nil, Luc et al.·Journal of bodywork and movement therapies·2019

This study tested whether two simple physical tests could help diagnose ME/CFS and match how tired patients feel. Researchers had 27 women with ME/CFS do a standing endurance test and a balance-while-thinking test, then compared the results to questionnaires about fatigue and daily functioning. Only the standing test correlated with how patients rated their physical abilities.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Could disease labelling have positive effects? An experimental study exploring the effect of the chronic fatigue syndrome label on intended social support.

Noble, Samara, Bonner, Carissa, Hersch, Jolyn et al.·Patient education and counseling·2019

This study asked university students how they would respond to a close friend who has ME/CFS, comparing situations where the condition was labeled as 'chronic fatigue syndrome' versus unlabeled. When the CFS label was used, students reported they would be more sympathetic, less rejecting, and more supportive of medical treatment for their friend. This suggests that having a recognized disease name might actually help people with ME/CFS receive better social support from their friends.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome show increased hsCRP compared to healthy controls.

Groven, Nina, Fors, Egil A, Reitan, Solveig Klæbo·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2019

This study measured inflammation markers in the blood of people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, compared to healthy people. Both patient groups had higher levels of a marker called hsCRP (a sign of inflammation) than healthy controls. The two conditions showed similar inflammation levels, suggesting they may share some biological similarities.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Prediction of long-term outcome after cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Janse, Anthonie, Bleijenberg, Gijs, Knoop, Hans·Journal of psychosomatic research·2019

This study followed 511 ME/CFS patients for up to 10 years after they completed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to see which factors predicted who would recover better long-term. Researchers found that patients who started with less severe fatigue, had symptoms for a shorter time before treatment, and felt more in control of their fatigue tended to have better outcomes years later. The study suggests that maximizing improvements during treatment and addressing pain may be important for lasting recovery.

Interventions

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearLongitudinal

Long Term Follow up of Young People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Attending a Pediatric Outpatient Service.

Rowe, Katherine S·Frontiers in pediatrics·2019

This study followed 784 young people with ME/CFS for an average of 8 years to understand how the illness progresses over time. About half of the young people reported recovery within 5 years, and by 10 years, 68% reported feeling recovered. Most young people improved in their ability to function daily, though a small group (5%) remained very unwell. Having supportive doctors, staying involved in school with flexible accommodations, and developing personal management plans were all important for long-term improvement.

Autonomic Nervous System

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The unifying diagnostic construct of bodily distress syndrome (BDS) was confirmed in the general population.

Maximal handgrip strength can predict maximal physical performance in patients with chronic fatigue.

Phytotherapy for Cachexia: Where Do We Stand?

The Role of Iron Metabolism in Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Post-exertional malaise in veterans with gulf war illness.

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Health-related quality of life in Norwegian adolescents living with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: A case-control study nested within a cohort.

Transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity of a revised metacognitions about symptoms control scale.

The effect of comorbid medical and psychiatric diagnoses on chronic fatigue syndrome.

Circulating levels of GDF15 in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Unemployment and work disability in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a community-based cross-sectional study from Spain.

Psychological and demographic factors associated with fatigue and social adjustment in young people with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a preliminary mixed-methods study.

HOW PSYCHIATRIC REFERRALS INFLUENCE STIGMATIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: AN EXAMINATION OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH MODELS.

Musculoskeletal Pain in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Reflects Three Distinct Profiles.

Assessing chronic fatigue syndrome: Self-reported physical functioning and correlations with physical testing.

Could disease labelling have positive effects? An experimental study exploring the effect of the chronic fatigue syndrome label on intended social support.

Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome show increased hsCRP compared to healthy controls.

Prediction of long-term outcome after cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Long Term Follow up of Young People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Attending a Pediatric Outpatient Service.

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Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research