Doctors and social epidemics : the problem of persistent unexplained physical symptoms, including chronic fatigue.

Among general practitioners (GPs) opinion has been
divided about the validity of chronic fatigue syndrome or
myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) as an illness. Now, in a
report to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) an expert group
has concluded that the condition is indeed a chronic illness
meriting significant NHS resources, including the unreserved
attention of the medical profession. Widespread
publicity was given to the CMO’s enthusiastic reception of
the report, which included the statement: ‘This is a real disease
affecting real people’.

Comment in

• Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis. [Br J Gen Pract. 2002]
• Chronic fatigue syndrome. [Br J Gen Pract. 2002]
• Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis. [Br J Gen Pract. 2002]
• Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis. [Br J Gen Pract. 2002]