ME/CFS Society of WA: Prognosis

Broadly speaking, the Severity of the disease at onset provides the best indication of the likely progression of illness -though this is not always the case. It is accepted that early Diagnosis and timely intervention with appropriate Treatment results in the best possible outcomes.

Evidence suggests that only a small proportion of people affected by the disease will eventually recover their previous levels of health and functioning (approximately 10%). However, recovery is possible even after prolonged and severe illness.

"The severity, complexity and longevity of the illness are poorly understood."
-Independent Report to the UK Chief Medical Officer 2002

The greatest likelihood is that most will experience some degree of improvement over time (often several years) although there may be a tendency for this improvement to eventually level off. Most commonly the disease follows a fluctuating course with periods of relative remission and relapse. Many of those affected learn to recognise factors that exacerbate or improve their symptoms and with careful management are able to take some degree of control over their illness.

For a significant proportion (approx. 25% of cases) the disease may cause severe and possibly permanent disability. Progressive deterioration is also known to occur and rare instances of fatality have been recorded.

In children the prognosis is generally better with a significantly larger proportion achieving satisfactory recovery although with some mild or moderate persistence of symptoms requiring ongoing and careful management.