Epidemiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome

Incidence
Estimates of the prevalence vary widely, owing in part to the variety of definitions used. Estimates range from 0.025% to 0.3% of the population.

Gender
Various studies have estimated that 70-80% are women.

Age
A study in Norway found two age peaks, one between 10 and 19 years and a second peak between 30 and 39 years.

Genetics
See also: genetics

5% of children of mothers with ME/CFS later developed the illness.

Mortality
One study found no increased risk of all cause mortality or mortality from cancer but an increased risk of suicide. Suicide risk was increased 6.85 compared to the general population.