New guidance for ME and CFS to improve understanding of these largely misunderstood conditions

An important update to guidance on the topic of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) has been published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2021a) to replace the existing guidelines relating to the diagnosis and management of these conditions, which was published in 2007. In that considerable length of time between publications, misunderstanding, confusion and even disbelief were observed among clinicians regarding these illnesses. This led to variations in care and outcomes, and therefore NICE (2021a) published the new guidance as a way to share what an expert committee have advised on multiple areas relating to these diagnoses, and to provide clarity and rectify misunderstanding, so that CFS and ME can be treated appropriately, the patient can receive the best care, a non-judgmental view can be fostered, and outcomes for the patient and NHS finances can be improved.