Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management – guidance (NG206)
This guideline aims to improve awareness and understanding about ME/CFS and when to suspect it, so that people are diagnosed earlier. It includes recommendations on diagnosis, assessment and care planning, safeguarding, access to care and managing ME/CFS and its symptoms.
Source:
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
SPS commentary:
The guideline states “Do not offer any medicines or supplements to cure ME/CFS” (1.12.15), noting that overall, the evidence for non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for ME/CFS was heterogenous and inconclusive, with limited evidence for any single intervention, and this supported the committee's experience. The committee were aware of claims that have been made about cures for ME/CFS and that there is often a financial cost to people with ME/CFS when they pursue these. To address this, the committee agreed to raise awareness in the recommendations of the current lack of a cure for ME/CFS. The committee however recognised that medicines can be useful for people with ME/CFS to manage their symptoms. People with ME/CFS may be more intolerant of drug treatment, so any medicines should be started at a lower dose than in usual clinical practice. For children and young people, it is recommended that prescribing should be initiated under the supervision of a paediatrician with expertise in ME/CFS.