The biological abnormalities in ME are consistent in research settings. However, there is no test available to confirm a diagnosis of ME. Consequently, patients with ME can often take years before they receive a definitive diagnosis. In addition, because medical practitioners do not understand the condition and do not recognize it as a separate disease, the condition is often misdiagnosed or mistreated. As a result, patients often need highly individualized treatments. This is why a doctor with a thorough understanding of ME is essential.
There are several criteria for diagnosing ME. The London criteria were revised in 2014 by the original authors. These are a gentle introduction to ME/CFS and the different coping strategies that are available. The criteria are based on the original description of the disease by Dr Melvin Ramsay. Although there are some differences between the two terms, they are still considered the same illness and are increasingly used by healthcare professionals and the public. In addition, many clinicians use the term “CFS” when referring to patients with ME.
Because of the similarities in symptoms and clinical features, some psychiatrists regard ME/CFS as a non-organic disorder. For example, a patient with ME may have several different conditions, but all of them are associated with neurological dysfunction. Despite these differences, the London criteria is widely used and is an excellent introduction to the condition. The criteria explain how to diagnose ME and its coping strategies. A physician’s opinion should be trusted when recommending treatment.
Various organizations work to improve patient care and cure patients of ME/CFS. Some of them work on research and clinical trials. Others focus on raising awareness about the illness. The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association was founded in 1985. The organization serves the needs of people with ME/CFS. More than 25,000 members of the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM association have been diagnosed since the early 1980s. It is the only local group that works on the disease.
There are many different types of ME. The disease affects people of all ages, and some cases are severe. There are various types of ME. The symptoms are related to age and gender. In most cases, people with ME have no idea they have ME. The symptoms include a variety of physical and cognitive impairments. Moreover, the patients may be bedridden. The diagnosis of ME is controversial, but it does not mean that they have a disease.
Most doctors consider ME/CFS a disabling illness. In Canada, the World Health Organisation defines ME/CFS as a neurological disorder. The United States uses the term “ME” as a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The two terms are often used interchangeably, but the distinction between the two terms is still unclear. While the symptoms and severity of the disease vary greatly, the diagnosis is a key factor in improving quality of life.