Issues in Estimating Rates of Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in a Community-Based Sample

There is a need to examine the prevalence of pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in the general community, as well as the relative frequency of CFS and ME among various groups (e.g., different age groups, genders, racial/ethnic groups, and socioeconomic strata) and to compare these individuals with community controls..
In the present study, we describe an ongoing NIH-funded study which will answer basic epidemiologic pediatric issues for pediatric CFS and ME..
We used a multiple-stage design, beginning with a brief screening for CFS- and ME-like symptomatology, followed by a more rigorous medical and psychiatric diagnostic evaluation..
We provide two case studies showing the types of data we are collecting, and how the data are being used to inform diagnostic decisions..
Our methods will allow us to determine the prevalence of pediatric CFS and ME status in the general community..