ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

521–540 of 6,122 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Reid, Steven F, Chalder, Trudie, Cleare, Anthony et al.·BMJ clinical evidence·2008

This review looked at all available research on treatments for ME/CFS up to September 2007, examining 45 studies to see which treatments work and which are safe. The researchers studied many different treatments including therapy, exercise programs, supplements, and medications. They found that the quality and strength of evidence varies considerably depending on which treatment is being examined.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A systematic review of chronic fatigue syndrome: don't assume it's depression.

Griffith, James P, Zarrouf, Fahd A·Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry·2008

This review examined how ME/CFS is different from depression, since doctors often confuse the two conditions. The researchers looked at hundreds of medical articles to understand what causes ME/CFS, how to properly diagnose it, and how to treat it. They found that ME/CFS is missed in over 80% of people who have it, and is frequently wrongly labeled as depression instead.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): summary of NICE guidance.

Baker, R, Shaw, E J·BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·2007

This document summarizes official guidance from NICE (the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) on how to diagnose and manage ME/CFS. It provides recommendations for healthcare professionals on recognizing the condition, running appropriate tests, and treating patients with practical advice on activity management, rehabilitation, and when to refer patients to specialists.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

The chronic fatigue syndrome--an update.

Wyller, Vegard Bruun·Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum·2007

ME/CFS is a serious condition where extreme fatigue is the main symptom and gets worse with activity rather than better with rest. This review of scientific research shows that ME/CFS affects more women than men, likely involves problems with the immune system and muscles, and that certain talk therapies and exercise programs have shown benefit in clinical trials. Most patients improve over time, though complete recovery is rare, especially in adults.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEditorial

[Chronic fatigue syndrome--a functional somatic syndrome].

Linde, Andreas·Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique·2007

This review suggests that ME/CFS is a condition involving multiple body systems rather than a single cause, and that it shares features with other similar illnesses affecting the mind and body. The authors found that treatments involving gradual increases in activity and cognitive behavioral therapy show the most promise, while antidepressants may help as an add-on treatment.

Endocrine Disruption

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Chronic musculoskeletal pain in patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review.

Meeus, Mira, Nijs, Jo, Meirleir, Kenny De·European journal of pain (London, England)·2007

This review looked at 25 scientific studies about chronic pain in ME/CFS patients. Most people with ME/CFS experience widespread pain along with fatigue, but there is no clear agreement on how to define or measure this pain. The review found that pain is common and disabling, but we still don't know exactly what causes it or how to treat it effectively.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

The cognitive behavioural model of medically unexplained symptoms: a theoretical and empirical review.

Deary, V, Chalder, T, Sharpe, M·Clinical psychology review·2007

This review examines the theory that ME/CFS and similar conditions involve interactions between thinking patterns, stress responses, and behavior that keep symptoms going. Researchers looked at decades of research to see if cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talking therapy focused on thoughts and behaviors) works for these conditions. The review suggests that multiple factors—including genetics, immune function, personality traits, and how people interpret their symptoms—likely work together in ways that current treatments may not fully address.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Van Den Eede, Filip, Moorkens, Greta, Van Houdenhove, Boudewijn et al.·Neuropsychobiology·2007

This review examined research on the stress-response system (called the HPA axis) in ME/CFS patients. Scientists found that many people with ME/CFS have lower-than-normal stress hormone levels and don't respond typically to stress. While it's unclear whether this hormone imbalance causes ME/CFS or develops because of it, the authors suggest it likely plays a role in how symptoms develop and persist.

Endocrine Disruption

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis: the 2007 guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

Nye, Fred·The Journal of infection·2007

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) published official guidelines in 2007 for diagnosing and managing ME/CFS. These guidelines were developed to help doctors recognize the condition and provide consistent care to patients across the UK. The guidelines cover how to identify ME/CFS, what tests to use, and what treatments are recommended.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Personality and chronic fatigue syndrome: methodological and conceptual issues.

van Geelen, Stefan M, Sinnema, Gerben, Hermans, Hubert J M et al.·Clinical psychology review·2007

This review looked at studies examining whether ME/CFS patients have particular personality traits, such as being perfectionistic or hardworking. The researchers found that different studies gave very different answers—some found no personality differences between ME/CFS patients and healthy people, while others reported more serious psychological problems. The authors concluded that more careful research is needed, particularly looking at how patients understand and tell their own life stories.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Benefits of physical training in fibromyalgia and related syndromes.

Maquet, D, Demoulin, C, Croisier, J-L et al.·Annales de readaptation et de medecine physique : revue scientifique de la Societe francaise de reeducation fonctionnelle de readaptation et de medecine physique·2007

This review looked at studies on whether physical exercise and training help people with fibromyalgia and related conditions like ME/CFS. Most studies found that gradual, carefully planned exercise programs did help reduce pain and fatigue, though some reviews were less certain. The authors recommend that exercise should be part of a broader treatment approach that includes other therapies.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Viral infections in chronic fatigue syndrome].

Sairenji, Takeshi, Nagata, Keiko·Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine·2007

This review looked at research on whether viruses and other infections might trigger ME/CFS. Most people with ME/CFS report having a flu-like illness before their symptoms started, which led researchers to investigate if infections could cause long-term immune system problems. The authors summarized what scientists have learned about different viruses, bacteria-like organisms, and other microbes that might be involved in ME/CFS development.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Identity and coping experiences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a synthesis of qualitative studies.

Larun, Lillebeth, Malterud, Kirsti·Patient education and counseling·2007

This study looked at 20 earlier research projects to understand how ME/CFS affects patients' sense of self and how they cope. Patients often feel very sick but are not believed by others, including doctors, which makes their experience even harder. Patients want answers and a diagnosis to help them recover, while doctors often doubt the illness is real. When patients feel dismissed, they may withdraw and stop trying to engage with others.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Overlap between atypical depression, seasonal affective disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome].

Juruena, Mario Francisco, Cleare, Anthony James·Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)·2007

This review article examines whether ME/CFS, atypical depression, and seasonal affective disorder share common biological roots. The researchers found that all three conditions may involve underactivity in the body's stress-response system (particularly a part of the brain called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), rather than overactivity as seen in other types of depression. This suggests these conditions might be more closely related than previously thought, which could help explain why patients sometimes experience overlapping symptoms.

Endocrine Disruption

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Chronic fatigue syndrome: biochemical examination of blood].

Hakariya, Yukiko, Kuratsune, Hirohiko·Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine·2007

This review examined blood test abnormalities in ME/CFS patients. While standard blood tests often appear normal in CFS patients despite their many symptoms, specialized blood tests have found problems in the systems that control stress, hormones, and immune function. The authors suggest that ME/CFS may result from brain dysfunction caused by immune chemicals called cytokines or antibodies that attack the body's own cells.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Dental amalgam and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aminzadeh, Kevin K, Etminan, Mahyar·Journal of public health dentistry·2007

This study looked at whether dental fillings containing mercury (amalgam) might be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers reviewed all available studies on this topic and combined the results. They found only a very small, statistically insignificant increase in MS risk among people with amalgam fillings, meaning the evidence does not support a strong connection between these fillings and MS development.

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM unclearGuideline

NICE guidance on managing chronic fatigue syndrome/ME.

Hairon, Nerys, NICE·Nursing times·2007

This document provides official guidance from NICE (the UK's health authority) on how doctors should manage ME/CFS. It offers recommendations for diagnosing the condition, treating symptoms, and supporting patients in their daily lives. The guidance is based on the best evidence available and aims to help healthcare providers give consistent, appropriate care to people with ME/CFS.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Mercury amalgam dental fillings: an epidemiologic assessment.

Bates, Michael N·International journal of hygiene and environmental health·2006

This 2006 review examined whether mercury released from dental amalgam fillings is associated with chronic diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome. The authors found little evidence that amalgam fillings cause general chronic disease or chronic fatigue syndrome, though they noted that most existing studies have significant limitations and better research is needed.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Autoantibodies associated with psychiatric disorders.

Margutti, Paola, Delunardo, Federica, Ortona, Elena·Current neurovascular research·2006

This review examines evidence that the immune system can sometimes produce antibodies that attack the brain and blood vessels, potentially causing psychiatric symptoms like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The authors discuss how this autoimmune mechanism may occur in several conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, and review what we know about antibodies in psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and autism.

Neuroinflammation

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review.

Maquet, D, Demoulin, C, Crielaard, J M·Annales de readaptation et de medecine physique : revue scientifique de la Societe francaise de reeducation fonctionnelle de readaptation et de medecine physique·2006

This review examined all available research about ME/CFS to understand what we know about the condition. Researchers found that ME/CFS affects between 0.2% and 0.7% of people and that despite decades of research into possible causes like infections, immune problems, and hormonal imbalances, we still don't fully understand what causes the illness. Treatment should combine physical rehabilitation with psychological support to address the whole person.

Diagnostics

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

A systematic review of chronic fatigue syndrome: don't assume it's depression.

Diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): summary of NICE guidance.

The chronic fatigue syndrome--an update.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome--a functional somatic syndrome].

Chronic musculoskeletal pain in patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review.

The cognitive behavioural model of medically unexplained symptoms: a theoretical and empirical review.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis: the 2007 guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

Personality and chronic fatigue syndrome: methodological and conceptual issues.

Benefits of physical training in fibromyalgia and related syndromes.

[Viral infections in chronic fatigue syndrome].

Identity and coping experiences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a synthesis of qualitative studies.

[Overlap between atypical depression, seasonal affective disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome].

[Chronic fatigue syndrome: biochemical examination of blood].

Dental amalgam and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

NICE guidance on managing chronic fatigue syndrome/ME.

Mercury amalgam dental fillings: an epidemiologic assessment.

Autoantibodies associated with psychiatric disorders.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review.

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