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Why the Psychosomatic View on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Inconsistent with Current
Manuel Thoma1, Laura Froehlich2, Daniel B R Hattesohl1
1German Association for ME/CFS, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|January 23, 2024
Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a neurological disease, not psychosomatic. Educating physicians and the public is crucial to end misdiagnosis and mistreatment of ME/CFS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) has been classified as a neurological disorder since 1969.
- Despite evidence of organic abnormalities, some physicians still incorrectly attribute ME/CFS to psychosomatic causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the detrimental impact of the psychosomatic belief on ME/CFS patient care.
- To emphasize the necessity of physician and public education regarding ME/CFS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and classification systems.
- Analysis of the consequences of misattributing ME/CFS etiology.
Main Results:
- The belief in ME/CFS as a psychosomatic illness leads to significant harm for patients.
- Misdiagnosis, mistreatment, and stigmatization are prevalent due to this misconception.
Conclusions:
- Physician and public education is essential to combat the harmful psychosomatic misconception of ME/CFS.
- Accurate understanding of ME/CFS as an organic neurological disease is vital for appropriate patient care and well-being.
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