'CFS' harms everyone, not just M.E. sufferers
This video explains why it isn't just people with M.E. who are harmed by the creation of the bogus disease category of 'CFS' and why it harms everyone misdiagnosed with CFS.
(Note that this is not about mere terminology, it is about the DEFINITIONS of 'CFS' not defining any distinct disease, including M.E., that is why every diagnosis of CFS is a MISdiagnosis.)
Today patients with all sorts of different illnesses are commonly misdiagnosed as having 'CFS.' Under cover of the bogus disease category of CFS, this diverse mix of patients are treated as if they each suffered the exact same specific illness. This is clearly unscientific, and unethical. These patients must be given the opportunity to be diagnosed correctly if they are to have any chance of appropriate treatment or recovery, not given a meaningless 'CFS' misdiagnosis. Patients with M.E. need this same opportunity. Treating this diverse and heterogenous patient group as if their illnesses each shared the same symptoms, aetiology, pathology and response to treatment is inappropriate and highly unlikely to benefit the health and wellbeing of any of the patient groups involved. Treating this 'CFS' group as if they each shared a specific psychological or behavioural illness is also clearly inappropriate. Aside from representing a heterogenous patient group, many (likely the vast majority) of those with the diagnosis are not mentally ill, and do not suffer from behavioural problems. (This includes of course, those patients with authentic M.E.)
Physicians who diagnose 'CFS' in any patient experiencing new onset fatigue without looking and testing for the true cause of the symptoms do their patients -- and themselves -- a great disservice. As Dr Elizabeth Dowsett explains, 'There is no such disease(s) as CFS' (b. [Online]) Some of the conditions commonly misdiagnosed as CFS are very well defined and well-known illnesses and very treatable -- but only once they have been correctly diagnosed. Some conditions are also very serious or can even be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and managed, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Every patient deserves the best possible opportunity for appropriate treatment for their illness, and for recovery. This process must begin with a correct diagnosis if at all possible. A correct diagnosis is half the battle won.
For more information on all aspects of M.E. see:
http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wha...