Opinion: Dr Neil Abbot

Indeed, new patients, rather alarmingly, find two black holes awaiting them. The first is lack of credibility. The enduring stigma of “yuppie flu” and confusion with general tiredness means the public perception of ME/CFS is poor. Patients’ families can, therefore, be unsympathetic, as can doctors. Indeed, studies show that roughly half of GPs don’t believe the condition actually exists.



This is in spite of official and authoritative confirmation that the condition is genuine. The World Health Organisation classifies post-viral ME/CFS as a neurological illness. NICE states that symptoms can be just as disabling as multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure and other chronic conditions.


The second black hole relates to treatment. Since the underlying causes of the illness remain unresolved and no treatment exists, prescriptions are given for particular symptoms, such as chronic pain or sleep problems.This can cause patients to become disillusioned, and many tell me they have not seen a GP for many years, preferring to struggle on alone rather than face what they see as a lack of understanding.


The enduring stigma of “yuppie flu” and confusion with general tiredness means the public perception of ME/CFS is poor.

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