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The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

Pediatric ME/CFS Case Definition - Differential diagnoses with Pediatric ME/CFS

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Last Updated: 23 January 2016 23 January 2016

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Differential diagnoses with Pediatric ME/CFS

Often pediatric ME/CFS is misdiagnosed as a psychiatric or behavioral disorder. These disorders include depression, anxiety, and school phobia—among others. However, a child or adolescent may actually have these disorders rather than pediatric ME/CFS.

It is critical for the diagnosing physician to determine if the child or adolescent actually has pediatric ME/CFS (even if these psychiatric or behavioral disorders coexist with the illness), or if the child does not have pediatric ME/CFS but is suffering exclusively with a psychiatric and/or behavioral disorder.

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.