ME/CFS Society of WA: ME or CFS?

The Society understands that ME and CFS are not identical. We acknowledge the confusion and misunderstanding that differences between these two entities have caused. We encourage people visiting this website to spare a moment and read the section Brief History so they may better understand the issues and confusion arising from these differences.

We are also aware of sensitivities amongst those affected by ME/CFS as well as a growing number of health professionals about the continuing existence of both the umbrella-term CFS as well as its associated vague and confusing descriptions (case definitions) of the disease.

While the Australian medical profession continues to use the controversial umbrella-term CFS and thousands of Australians receive this as their diagnosis the Society has determined, for reasons of visibility, to use the composite term ME/CFS when referring to the disease.

It is our hope that better understanding will lead to the early adoption of a medically accurate name and description for the disease that are acceptable to all parties and representative of its potentially devastating nature.