Child and adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: where are we now?

Anna Gregorowski1, Jane Simpson2, Terry Y Segal1

  • 1Paediatric and Adolescent Department, University College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Insights

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in children and young people presents a complex challenge with limited evidence for effective treatments. Further research is crucial to understand causes and improve care for this debilitating condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a debilitating illness affecting children and young people (CYP).
  • The exact cause of CFS/ME remains unclear, presenting a heterogeneous clinical picture.
  • The condition significantly impacts the affected CYP and their families, with comorbidities like mood disorders and pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent evidence on the cause, impact, treatment, and prognosis of CFS/ME in CYP.
  • To inform ongoing guideline reviews and identify research needs.
  • To synthesize current knowledge amidst evolving research calls.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of recent evidence.
  • Analysis of studies on CFS/ME in children and young people.
  • Discussion of aetiological hypotheses and precipitating factors.

Main Results:

  • Evidence for effective CFS/ME treatment in CYP is limited, especially for severely affected individuals.
  • Online cognitive behavioral therapy trials are underway for teenagers.
  • The Lightning Process, as an adjunct to medical care, shows effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence is limited by diagnostic heterogeneity and small studies.
  • There is a significant need for more research and larger studies.
  • Further investigation into the causes and optimal treatments for pediatric CFS/ME is essential.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Fatigue01:21

Fatigue

Fatigue occurs when materials rupture under repeated or fluctuating loads, even at stress levels far below their static breaking strength. It typically results in brittle failure, even for ductile materials. It is a critical consideration in designing machines and structural components subjected to repetitive or varying loads. The nature of these loadings can range from fluctuating loads like unbalanced pump impellers causing vibrations to repeatedly bending a thin steel rod wire back and forth...
812
Cognitive Development During Adolescence01:18

Cognitive Development During Adolescence

During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
567
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue01:24

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective...
4.1K
Fatigue Strength of Concrete01:22

Fatigue Strength of Concrete

Fatigue, in the context of materials science and engineering, refers to the weakening or failure of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads, even if these loads are below the strength limit of the material. Fatigue strength in concrete is a critical property that influences its durability and longevity. Concrete can fail in two ways due to fatigue. Static fatigue or creep rupture occurs under a constant load or one that increases slowly. The other failure mode is due to cyclical or...
556
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition01:24

Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition

A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are...
294
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence01:17

Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence

Erik Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, "identity versus role confusion," is crucial during adolescence (ages 12 to 18). In this stage, adolescents face the developmental task of forging a distinct personal identity, a process influenced by social, psychological, and biological changes typical of this period. Adolescents naturally explore different roles, behaviors, and ideologies as they navigate complex questions of self-concept, asking, "Who am I?" and "What is my place in...
1.2K