ArticleBMC public health2026
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnostic reporting in the 2021-2023 National Health Interview Survey.
Article in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundMyalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disabling illness characterized by activity limitations associated with fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, memory and concentration problems, orthostatic intolerance and painful discomfort. While typically considered to be a chronic condition, some persons who have had ME/CFS report no longer having the disorder. Here, the prevalence and characteristics of adults in the United States who self-report having an ME/CFS diagnosis and those who self-report no longer having ME/CFS are presented.
methodsThe current study utilized publicly available data from the 2021-2023 National Health Interview Survey, which interviewed 86,655 United States civilian non-institutionalized adults about their health. For this study, participants were categorized into three groups: Current ME/CFS (individuals currently diagnosed with ME/CFS), Past ME/CFS (individuals who were previously diagnosed but no longer report having the condition), and Never ME/CFS (individuals who have never been diagnosed with ME/CFS). These groups were characterized using descriptive statistics.
resultsIn the United States adult population, 20.7% of the estimated 1.5% adults who ever received an ME/CFS diagnosis report they no longer have the condition (Past ME/CFS). Overall the Past ME/CFS group reported experiencing symptoms less frequently, less difficulty with daily living, approximately equal prevalence of comorbidities, and better general health status than the Current ME/CFS group but remained significantly impaired compared to the Never ME/CFS group. However, 40-50% of adults with Past ME/CFS report symptoms and function similar to adults with Current ME/CFS and only approximately 25% had substantially less symptoms and better function compared to those with Current ME/CFS. Comorbidities did not differ significantly between the Current and Past ME/CFS groups.
conclusionFurther study to better understand the reasons why those in the Past ME/CFS group report no longer having the disorder is important for understanding the natural history and disease burden of ME/CFS. Studying symptomatic remissions, and the underlying physiology of improvement, could lead to identification of new disease modifying therapeutic approaches.
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