Familiarity with ME/CFS and ability to recognise, diagnose and treat it may vary widely from one health professional to another. For this reason gaining a diagnosis and implementing an effective treatment program may not always be straight forward.

While your health professional and/or specialist will be able to rule out other known diseases or conditions causing similar symptoms not all feel confident diagnosing ME/CFS.

Guidelines issued by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2002 have been widely criticised and may have contributed to confusion and uncertainty surrounding the disease.
 
Once a diagnosis of ME/CFS is suspected individuals will benefit greatly by informing themselves as widely as possible about the disease and the various options for treating it. This will remove doubt, build confidence and provide a sense of having regained some degree of control. 

Being informed also enables those affected to work in partnership with their health professional(s) to establish the best possible treatment program for their specific circumstances. Individuals should be prepared to hold frank and open discussions in order to establish a satisfactory standard of care and management for the disease. 

The About ME/CFS section of this website contains a wealth of useful information to help individuals learn more about various aspects of the disease. The Canadian Guidelines are unrivalled in their insight and understanding of the disease as well as how best to approach treatment. Printed copies of the Guidelines Overview are available from the Society if you Contact Us.
 
We also hold regular Treatment Workshops with local and visiting speakers to help individuals understand the various treatment options that are available. Guidance regarding which local health professionals our members have found experienced and knowledgable in diagnosing and treating ME/CFS is also available if you Contact Us.