Diagnosing ME/CFS – State of the Art

Prof. Behrends gave an overview of the current status of research on diagnostics. She underlined that it is essential for those affected to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible in order to reduce negative social and financial consequences. The first step in diagnostics involves identifying initial triggers of disease onset such as viral infections and to evaluate current activity levels. Attention must be paid to the core symptoms of post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue and sleep disorders.

The Munich-Berlin Symptom Questionnaire (MBSQ), which was developed in cooperation with the Charité, contains a diagnostic algorithm based on the latest diagnostic criteria, and should be used for diagnostics. The next step in the diagnosis is a physical examination with additional tests if necessary (e.g. hand strength measurement, stress test). Laboratory tests can be initiated, also to enable further research on biomarkers. Finally, it is important to take account of differential diagnoses and comorbidities that may also need to be treated. After some time, patients should then be reevaluated, since there is chance of an improvement in symptoms, especially in children and adolescents.