NICE guideline on ME/CFS: robust advice based on a thorough review of the evidence
- PMID: 38418217
- DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332731
NICE guideline on ME/CFS: robust advice based on a thorough review of the evidence
Abstract
In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence produced an evidence-based guideline on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a disabling long-term condition of unknown cause. The guideline provides clear support for people living with ME/CFS, their families and carers, and for clinicians. A recent opinion piece published in the journal suggested that there were anomalies in the processing and interpretation of the evidence when developing the guideline and proposed eight areas where these anomalies were thought to have occurred. We outline how these opinions are based on a misreading or misunderstanding of the guideline process or the guideline, which provides a balanced and reasoned approach to the diagnosis and management of this challenging condition.
Keywords: chronic fatigue syndrome.
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
Conflict of interest statement
Competing interests: PWB was chair of the Guideline Committee that produced the 2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS. IF was vice-chair of the Guideline Committee that produced the 2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS. PWB, KK and TT are currently employed by NICE.
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