Contrasting Case Definitions: The ME International Consensus Criteria vs. the Fukuda et al. CFS Criteria

This article contrasts the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis International Consensus Criteria (ME-ICC) (Carruthers et al., 2011) with the Fukuda et al. (1994) CFS criteria. Findings indicated that the ME-ICC case definition criteria identified a subset of patients with more functional impairments and physical, mental and cognitive problems than the larger group of patients meeting the Fukuda et al. (1994) criteria. The sample of patients meeting ME-ICC criteria also had significantly greater rates of psychiatric comorbidity. These findings suggest that utilizing the ME-ICC may identify a more homogenous group of individuals with severe symptomatology and functional impairment. Implications of the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity found in the ME sample are discussed.