Diagnosis - Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

There's no test for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but there are clear guidelines to help doctors diagnose it.

A GP should ask you about your medical history and give you a physical examination.

They may also offer you tests like blood tests or urine tests to rule out other conditions, such as anaemia (lack of red blood cells), an underactive thyroid gland, or liver and kidney problems.

It can take a while for ME/CFS to be diagnosed because other conditions with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first.

In the meantime, you may be given some advice about managing your symptoms.

Guidelines for diagnosing ME/CFS

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say doctors should consider diagnosing ME/CFS if all the following apply and are not caused by another condition:

• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• sleep problems
• issues with thinking and concentration
• symptoms are made worse by physical or mental activity

The doctor making the diagnosis may also ask you about other symptoms that can affect people living with ME/CFS, such as:

• muscle and joint pain
• headaches
• sore throat

Your GP may consult a specialist if they're unsure about the diagnosis or your symptoms are severe.