title: The debate: myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
abstract: Almost every aspect of myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy) and chronic fatigue syndrome is the subject of disagreement and uncertainty -- something that has undoubtedly hampered recognition, understanding and research. Although the pathogenesis remains the subject of intense medical debate, a number of predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors are now starting to emerge. Therapeutic nihilism is no longer appropriate as there is a great deal that can be done to alleviate some of the more distressing symptoms and improve quality of life for these patients.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shepherd
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018529:Nutritional Support; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology