Also known as myalgic encephalopathy

Diagnosed after at least 3 months of disabling fatigue affecting mental and physical function more than 50% of the time in the absence of other disease which may explain symptoms

Epidemiology

• more common in females
• past psychiatric history has not been shown to be a risk factor

PC

Fatigue is the central feature, other recognised features include

• sleep problems, such as insomnia, hypersomnia, unrefreshing sleep, a disturbed sleep-wake cycle
• muscle and/or joint pains
• headaches
• painful lymph nodes without enlargement
• sore throat
• cognitive dysfunction, such as difficulty thinking, inability to concentrate, impairment of short-term memory, and difficulties with word-finding
• physical or mental exertion makes symptoms worse
• general malaise or 'flu-like' symptoms
• dizziness
• nausea
• palpitations