Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Impact on Quality of Life (QoL) of Persons with ME/CFS

Background and Objectives: We previously reported on the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) on the QoL of persons with ME/CFS and their family members. Here, we present the findings of the impact on the QoL of individuals with ME/CFS whose family members did not participate in the survey. Materials and Methods: A prospective multinational online survey was disseminated via patient charities, support groups and social media. Persons with ME/CFS completed the EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Results: Data were analysed from 876 participants from 26 countries who reported a health care professional diagnosis of ME/CFS. In total, 742 participants identified as female, 124 male and 10 preferred not to say. The mean age of the participants was 47 years (range 18-82), and the mean time to diagnosis was 14 years. The mean overall health status on a visual analogue scale for people with ME/CFS was 36.4 (100 = best health). People with ME/CFS were most often affected by inability to perform usual activities (n = 852, 97%), followed by pain (n = 809, 92%), impaired mobility (n = 724, 83%), difficulty in self-care (n = 561, 64%) and least often affected by anxiety and depression (n = 540, 62%). Conclusions: The QoL of people with ME/CFS is significantly affected globally. There was no significant difference in quality of life compared with previously published data on those with ME/CFS who did have a family member complete the family member quality of life questionnaire (FROM16). Contrary to popular misconception, anxiety and depression are the least often affected areas in persons with ME/CFS who are most impacted by their inability to perform usual activities.