Primer for journalists

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and chronic fatigue are widely misunderstood and misreported to the detriment of patients and the medical profession. In this primer are evidence-based facts to correct many common misperceptions to support journalists writing about the disease.

Biological abnormalities

 * Brain inflammation[REFERENCE, Japanese study)
 * Reduced brain white matter[REFERENCE]
 * Immune findings
 * NK findings
 * Gut dysbiosis

Causes & triggers

 * Outbreaks
 * Known infectious trigger: EBV, Q Fever (Ebola?)
 * Non-viral triggers - trauma, chemical

Recovery

 * Patients do not generally get better
 * PACE recovery results over-state
 * Severe patients often invisible

Severely ill patients

 * Invisible
 * Examples
 * Deaths

Stigmatization

 * Pretty young women slumped on desk
 * Yuppie flu
 * Accusations of laziness/lethargy

Accusations of harassment

 * Tiny %
 * No arrests or convictions
 * Poor treatment of patients not mentioned

Doctors for expert opinions


Researchers for expert opinions


Press-friendly patients


Press-friendly patient groups/charities


Other tips

 * Always interview a patient
 * Interview more than one researcher (not just from the psychological aetiology view)

Learn more

 * IACFS/ME Primer for Clinical Practitioners - 2014 Edition