List of differential diagnoses for ME/CFS

Many different diagnoses have been suggest for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A number of the common differential diagnoses also commonly occur in patients with ME/CFS, so they should not be regarded as conditions that exclude the diagnosis of ME/CFS.

ME/CFS

Differential diagnosis	Fukuda criteria	International Consensus Criteria	Canadian Consensus Criteria	Institute of Medicine	Other
Idiopathic chronic fatigue	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Fibromyalgia	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
chronic fatigue due to another medical condition	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Unexplained chronic fatigue	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Primary sleep disorders	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Depression	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Lupus	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Multiple sclerosis	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Rheumatoid arthritis	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Irritable bowel syndrome	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

See also

• Myalgic encephalomyelitis
• Primer for doctors and researchers
• Misdiagnosis

Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC) - A set of diagnostic criteria used to diagnose ME/CFS, developed by a group of practicing ME/CFS clinicians in 2003. The CCC is often considered to be the most complex criteria, but possibly the most accurate, with the lowest number of patients meeting the criteria. Led to the development of the International Consensus Criteria (ICC) in 2011.

National Academy of Medicine (NAM) - An American non-profit, non-governmental organization which provides expert advice to governmental agencies on issues relating to biomedical science, medicine and health. Formerly known as the Institute of Medicine (IOM).