The US Institute of Medicine (IOM) has called for the renaming of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFE/ME) to Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease.
According to the IOM, the onomastic move was made to spare the millions of people who have been diagnosed with CFE/ME additional suffering from public stigmatization.
According to the ME Association (an international association dedicated to CFE/ME support, education, and training) it remains to be seen whether this name change “will actually improve attitudes towards patients and their assessment and care”. However the ME Association has applauded the attempt by the IOM as a “brave” and “important step” towards changing public perceptions.
Click here for additional information.