Doctors are ordered to take 'yuppie flu' seriously

Those treating the debilitating condition should "acknowledge the reality and impact of the condition and the symptoms," according to the new guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

It added every person diagnosed with CFS also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) should be offered "acceptance and understanding."

Patients with CFS or ME, have long struggled against prejudice towards their condition, which is not yet fully understood by the medical profession and dismissed by some as 'yuppie flu.'

NICE admitted 'uncertainties' about diagnosing and managing the condition had 'exacerbated the impact of ME' on patients and their carers.

Some doctors had told sufferers to 'go to the gym' or 'exercise more' despite evidence this could make symptoms worse. NICE has responded by instructing doctors not to give such advice or dismiss patient concerns.

The syndrome causes a range of symptoms, which includes fatigue, malaise, headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulties with concentration and muscle pain. Symptoms can range from the mild to the very severe.

While there are no definitive tests, the condition can be diagnosed through the symptoms and by ruling out other conditions.

In the new guidelines, doctors are told to develop a individualised management plan for each of their patients. There are no known cures for ME, however it can treated through diet changes and rest and relaxation programmes.

NICE advises doctors to limit patient rest periods during the day to 30 minutes at a time but not to impose a rigid schedule of activity and rest. It also tells doctors to warn patients that setbacks and relapses are to be expected.

The health charity 'Action for ME' welcomed the new guidelines and the new emphasis on doctors and patients sharing decision making.

George Armstrong, the chair of trustees said: "This guideline could be a landmark in the mainstreaming of ME as a legitimate illness.

"Properly implemented, it should help GPs on the front line to reach a diagnosis and identify pathways of care, treatment and support."

However, the charity trustees said they were disappointed that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) were suggested by NICE as treatments.

"Many patients have reported little or no benefit from CBT and others have experienced seriously adverse effects from GET," they said.

The charity trustees were also disappointed that NICE did not agree to recognise the World Health Organisation's classification of ME as a neurological illness.