Definitions of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome

Over the course of three decades, many definitions or criteria have been developed to diagnose either ME, CFS or ME/CFS and SEID.

ME

 * 1986 Ramsay definition
 * 2007 Nightingale definition
 * 2011 International Consensus Criteria
 * 2014 London criteria

The International Consensus Criteria is currently used in some research and by few clinicians in some countries. Ramsay definition, Nightingale definition and London criteria are currently not in use.

CFS

 * 1988 CDC case definition ("Holmes criteria")
 * 1991 Oxford criteria
 * 1994 CDC case definition ("Fukuda criteria")
 * 2005 CDC case definition ("Reeves criteria")

The Holmes criteria is currently not in use. The Oxford criteria is used in the UK by clinicians and researchers. Fukuda criteria is used in research by several countries including the USA and sometimes in the UK. Reeves criteria is currently being used in the NIH Post-Infectious ME/CFS Study but overall it is not in use.

Combined (ME/CFS)

 * 2003 Canadian Consensus Criteria
 * 2007 NICE guidelines

The Canadian Consensus Criteria is sometimes used by clinicians and for research in many countries but has not been officially adopted by most countries including the USA. NICE guidelines are used by clinicians in the UK.

SEID

 * 2015 IOM diagnostic criteria (SEID)

Proposed for use in the USA in clinical settings but has not been officially implemented. The NIH Post-Infectious ME/CFS Study is using this criteria along with three other criteria.

Comparison

 * Frank Twisk, Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms
 * Case Definition Comparison - Graph 1

Learn more
See: Comparative Graphs - Case Definition Comparison - Graph 1
 * CFS vs SEID - Tandfonline The Four-symptom criteria is noted.
 * CFS and ME: Toward An Empirical Case Definition - NCBI - NLM - NIH.gov See: Graph - 1
 * Excluding Factors: Jason Critiques the IOM Definition for ME/CFS - Health Rising - Cort Johnson The Four-symptom criteria is noted.