Question: Is Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) a real illness?

Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) a genuine physical illness or something else? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that CFS/ME is a real illness, and that it is not — and the reasoning behind each.

Position 1 of 2

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Yes, CFS/ME is a real illness

This position holds that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) is a real illness. It argues that the condition affects millions worldwide, is recognised by bodies such as the WHO, is increasingly supported by biological evidence including post-exertional malaise, and causes severe, documented suffering.

Huge numbers of people have experienced CFS/ME, and continue to do so
There is scientific evidence proving its existence
People suffer immensely with CFS/ME
It is both a physical and mental illness requiring dual treatment
It is a real illness but the symptoms are very broad and not well known

Position 2 of 2

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Yes, CFS/ME is a real illness

No, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not a real illness