Burden of Disease in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious chronic and complex multi-system disease characterised by symptoms such as post-exertional malaise, fatigue, cognitive impairment and pain. Diagnosis is based on international consensus criteria, and no curative treatment is available. In the USA, its prevalence is estimated at 0.42% among adults, with women affected three times as often as men. Prevalence is expected to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to its severe symptoms, ME/CFS has a substantial economic impact. This scoping review aimed to systematically examine the global health, social and economic burden of ME/CFS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for System

SUBMITTER: Vester P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12790524 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature