Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Real Illness.

C fatigue syndrome (named by some as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome [ME/CFS]) frustrates many physicians. That is understandable because there are no diagnostic tests or proven treatments. Some physicians even insist that the illness has no biological basis. Patients who seek help from such physicians are unlikely to have a satisfying therapeutic experience. Fortunately, ME/CFS has recently received some welcome attention from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Four articles in Annals address their findings (1–4). I will recap their answers to important questions.