Oxford criteria: Difference between revisions
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==Criticisms== | ==Criticisms== | ||
[[Post-exertional malaise]] is not a symptom. | |||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 02:37, January 1, 2016
The Oxford criteria are a criteria for the diagnosis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome published in 1991 by a group of psychiatrists. They identify two broad syndromes and are used primarily for research purposes.[1]
Definition[edit | edit source]
Chronic fatigue syndrome[edit | edit source]
- fatigue is the principal symptom: it is severe, disabling and affects physical and mental functioning; it should have been present for a minimum of 6 months during which it was present for more than 50% of the time.
- other symptoms may be present: particularly myalgia, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
- definite onset of symptoms, not life-long.
- exceptions: patients with established medical conditions known to produce chronic fatigue; also patients with a current diagnosis of schizophrenia, manic depressive illness, substance abuse, eating disorder or proven organic brain disease.
Post-infectious Fatigue Syndrome (PIFS)[edit | edit source]
A sub-type of CFS which either follows an infection or is associated with a current infection (although whether such associated infection is of aetiological significance (i.e. whether it is the cause of the symptoms) is a topic for research).
To meet the research criteria for PIFS patients must:
- i. fulfil the criteria for CFS as defined above (i.e. the Oxford definition)
- ii. should also fulfil the following additional criteria:
- (a) There is definite evidence of infection at onset or presentation (a patient’s self-report is unlikely to be sufficiently reliable).
- (b) the syndrome is present for a minimum of 6 months after onset of infection.
- (c) the infection has been corroborated by laboratory evidence.
Criticisms[edit | edit source]
Post-exertional malaise is not a symptom.
References[edit | edit source]
<references>