ME/CFS Society of WA: Symptoms

There have been numerous formal descriptions (case definitions) of ME/CFS over the years. The Canadian ME/CFS case definition (Carruthers, et al. 2003) is considered the most insightful and accurate description of the disease available globally and is recommended by this Society.

Other case definitions, including the one contained in the Royal Australiasian College of Physicians (RACP) CFS Guidelines currently provided to doctors in Australia, are considered to be vague, downplaying or even omitting important symptoms of the disease (see Brief History) and increase the risk of misdiagnosis.

Both descriptions are given below:

1. Canadian ME/CFS Description; highly recommended by this Society.

2. RACP CFS Description; currently provided to doctors in Australia.