ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

21–40 of 389 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Review of case definitions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Lim, Eun-Jin, Son, Chang-Gue·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This study reviewed how ME/CFS has been defined and diagnosed over the past 34 years, examining 25 different case definitions created by researchers. The researchers found that these definitions fall into four main categories and emphasize different key symptoms—some focus on a viral cause, others on inflammation, and some on multiple system problems. Understanding these different approaches helps doctors and patients recognize that ME/CFS is complex and may require more than one way to diagnose it.

Cognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of neurological impairments in myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome using neuroimaging techniques.

Maksoud, Rebekah, du Preez, Stanley, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·PloS one·2020

This review examined 55 studies that used brain imaging techniques to look for physical differences in the brains of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. The researchers found evidence that ME/CFS affects how the nervous system works, including changes in brain structure and blood flow. However, the findings weren't consistent across all studies, meaning scientists still don't have a complete picture of what's happening in the brain.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review.

Carreira, Helena, Williams, Rachael, Strongman, Helen et al.·BMJ open·2019

Researchers reviewed 120 studies that used UK patient medical records to track mental health and quality of life problems like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive issues. They found that different studies used different definitions and coding systems to identify these conditions, making it hard to compare results across studies. The authors recommend that researchers agree on standard definitions and validated code lists so findings are more consistent and reliable.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Psychological impact of fibromyalgia: current perspectives.

Galvez-Sánchez, Carmen M, Duschek, Stefan, Reyes Del Paso, Gustavo A·Psychology research and behavior management·2019

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that often comes with fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. This review found that people with fibromyalgia frequently experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, and these psychological symptoms can make the physical illness worse. The study suggests that combining talk therapy or other psychological support with medication may help patients feel better and improve their quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

Komaroff, Anthony L, Takahashi, Ryosuke, Yamamura, Takashi et al.·Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo·2018

This review examines objective, measurable evidence that ME/CFS is a real physical illness, not just a psychological condition. Researchers looked at studies showing that ME/CFS involves problems with the brain, immune system, and how the body uses energy. They found that immune activation—where the body's defense system becomes overactive—may be a key driver of ME/CFS symptoms.

Immune SystemCognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A unifying theory for cognitive abnormalities in functional neurological disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: systematic review.

Teodoro, Tiago, Edwards, Mark J, Isaacs, Jeremy D·Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2018

Many people with ME/CFS report cognitive problems like brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. This review of 95 studies found that while patients consistently describe these symptoms, standard memory and thinking tests often show normal or only mild problems. The authors suggest that pain, fatigue, and the body's excessive self-monitoring may force the brain to work harder on everyday tasks, making thinking feel more exhausting even when test results look relatively normal.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A Review Study on the Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin.

Zou, Liye, Pan, Zhujun, Yeung, Albert et al.·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·2018

This review looked at 22 studies about Baduanjin, a gentle Chinese exercise that combines movement with mental focus. The studies suggest that Baduanjin may help improve thinking abilities, mood, sleep, and physical symptoms in people with various conditions, including those with chronic fatigue-like illness. However, the authors note that better-quality, longer-lasting studies are needed before we can be confident about these benefits.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Attentional and interpretive bias towards illness-related information in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review.

Hughes, Alicia, Hirsch, Colette, Chalder, Trudie et al.·British journal of health psychology·2016

This review looked at research studies examining how people with ME/CFS pay attention to and interpret information about illness and symptoms. The studies found that some people with ME/CFS tend to notice health-related threats more quickly and interpret their body sensations as signs of illness more readily than healthy people do. These thinking patterns may help keep the fatigue and illness beliefs going, even when other factors aren't actively causing symptoms.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Dysfunctional syndromes and fibromyalgia: a 2012 critical digest.

Sarzi-Puttini, Piercarlo, Atzeni, Fabiola, Di Franco, Manuela et al.·Clinical and experimental rheumatology·2012

This review looked at several long-lasting conditions that cause widespread pain, tiredness, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating—conditions that don't always show up clearly on standard medical tests. The researchers examined fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and irritable bowel syndrome to understand how they're connected and what causes symptoms to keep happening. They found that these conditions share similar patterns in how the nervous system processes pain and fatigue.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Behavior problems in children and adolescents with chronic physical illness: a meta-analysis.

Pinquart, Martin, Shen, Yuhui·Journal of pediatric psychology·2011

This large review of 569 studies found that children and teenagers with chronic physical illnesses—including ME/CFS—experience higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems compared to healthy peers. Children with ME/CFS showed particularly high levels of emotional problems like anxiety and depression. The review emphasizes that doctors should routinely screen young patients with chronic illnesses for psychological distress and refer them to mental health services when needed.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Cognitive functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Cockshell, S J, Mathias, J L·Psychological medicine·2010

This study combined results from 50 research papers to understand how ME/CFS affects thinking and memory. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have real, measurable problems with attention, memory, and processing speed—essentially, the brain takes longer to handle and organize information. However, other thinking skills like vocabulary, reasoning, and basic motor skills were not affected.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity.

Panossian, Alexander, Wikman, Georg·Current clinical pharmacology·2009

This review examined whether herbal supplements called adaptogens can help with fatigue and ME/CFS. Researchers found that some adaptogens—particularly Rhodiola rosea—showed promise in clinical studies for improving attention, thinking, and mental energy in people with fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome. The review suggests these herbs may work by helping the body manage stress through changes in specific stress-response proteins and hormones.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEditorial

Central nervous system abnormalities in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: new concepts in treatment.

Gur, Ali, Oktayoglu, Pelin·Current pharmaceutical design·2008

This review examines how ME/CFS and fibromyalgia may both involve problems in the nervous system—specifically in how the brain processes pain, manages stress hormones, and controls automatic body functions. The authors discuss why current treatments are limited and explore new medication approaches that target brain chemicals involved in pain and fatigue.

SleepAutonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Approved and investigational uses of modafinil : an evidence-based review.

Kumar, Raminder·Drugs·2008

This review looked at studies testing modafinil, a medication that promotes wakefulness, in different conditions including sleep disorders and fatigue-related illnesses. The authors found that modafinil works well for approved conditions like narcolepsy and sleep apnea, but studies testing it for chronic fatigue syndrome were very small and gave unclear results. The medication can cause side effects like insomnia, headaches, and appetite loss, and may interact with other drugs.

SleepCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Post-Lyme borreliosis syndrome: a meta-analysis of reported symptoms.

Cairns, Victoria, Godwin, Jon·International journal of epidemiology·2005

This study looked at patients who had Lyme disease and found that many experienced long-lasting fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and thinking difficulties even after antibiotic treatment. Researchers combined results from five previous studies comparing Lyme disease patients to healthy controls and found these symptoms were significantly more common in the Lyme disease group. The symptom pattern was notably different from other conditions like fibromyalgia or depression.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEditorial

Medically unexplained symptoms and neuropsychological assessment.

Binder, Laurence M, Campbell, Keith A·Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology·2004

This review examines several long-term illnesses—including ME/CFS—where patients experience real symptoms but standard medical tests don't show an obvious cause. The authors found that some patients do have measurable thinking and memory problems, but these may result from a combination of stress, past trauma, and how the body responds to illness rather than from traditional brain disease alone.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Psychological treatment of patients with chronic toxic encephalopathy: lessons from studies of chronic fatigue and whiplash.

van Hout, Moniek S E, Wekking, Ellie M, Berg, Ina J et al.·Psychotherapy and psychosomatics·2003

This review looked at studies on psychological treatments for chronic toxic encephalopathy (a condition from long-term solvent exposure) and compared them with research on chronic fatigue syndrome and whiplash injuries. The reviewers found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy that helps change unhelpful thinking patterns—and gradually increasing activity levels showed promise in helping people with fatigue and thinking problems. They suggest these same approaches might help people with toxic encephalopathy, though more research is needed.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Neuropsychological functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome: a review.

Michiels, V, Cluydts, R·Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica·2001

This review looked at studies examining thinking and memory problems in ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS commonly experience slower thinking speed, difficulty holding information in working memory, and trouble learning new information. The study noted that brain scans haven't shown a consistent pattern that uniquely identifies ME/CFS patients, and that fatigue severity doesn't fully explain the cognitive problems.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Neuropsychology of chronic fatigue syndrome: a critical review.

Tiersky, L A, Johnson, S K, Lange, G et al.·Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology·1997

This review examined research on thinking and memory problems in ME/CFS patients. The clearest finding was that people with ME/CFS struggle with processing information quickly and efficiently, similar to when your brain feels sluggish. However, overall intelligence and complex thinking skills remain normal. Emotional factors like anxiety or depression can make cognitive problems feel worse, though it's unclear if they directly affect actual thinking performance.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

War syndromes and their evaluation: from the U.S. Civil War to the Persian Gulf War.

Hyams, K C, Wignall, F S, Roswell, R·Annals of internal medicine·1996

Researchers reviewed historical records of illnesses that appeared in soldiers after wars, dating back to the U.S. Civil War through the Persian Gulf War. They found that across different wars and time periods, veterans reported similar symptoms like exhaustion, breathing problems, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. However, the researchers concluded that these symptoms don't appear to be one single disease, and that lack of proper comparison groups and research methods made it hard to determine what actually caused these illnesses.

Cognitive Impairment

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Review of case definitions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

A systematic review of neurological impairments in myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome using neuroimaging techniques.

Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review.

Psychological impact of fibromyalgia: current perspectives.

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

A unifying theory for cognitive abnormalities in functional neurological disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: systematic review.

A Review Study on the Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin.

Attentional and interpretive bias towards illness-related information in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review.

Dysfunctional syndromes and fibromyalgia: a 2012 critical digest.

Behavior problems in children and adolescents with chronic physical illness: a meta-analysis.

Cognitive functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity.

Central nervous system abnormalities in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: new concepts in treatment.

Approved and investigational uses of modafinil : an evidence-based review.

Post-Lyme borreliosis syndrome: a meta-analysis of reported symptoms.

Medically unexplained symptoms and neuropsychological assessment.

Psychological treatment of patients with chronic toxic encephalopathy: lessons from studies of chronic fatigue and whiplash.

Neuropsychological functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome: a review.

Neuropsychology of chronic fatigue syndrome: a critical review.

War syndromes and their evaluation: from the U.S. Civil War to the Persian Gulf War.

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