Doubting doctors are ordered to take ME patients seriously

It aims to redress years of prejudice against those with chronic fatigue syndrome - the term by which ME is now often known - who were told the condition was 'all in the mind'.

The NHS guidelines instruct doctors not to tell patients to 'go to the gym' as this could make them worse.

Although those suffering from the condition can benefit from gentle exercise, they should not be coerced into it.

Family doctors are also advised to refer children with symptoms of the disorder to a paediatrician within six weeks.

The guidelines state that a diagnosis should be made within three months in children and four months in adults.

The document from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence comes after years of controversy surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue.

There are an estimated 193,000 sufferers in Britain, including children as young as five.

Symptoms such as flu-like illness, extreme tiredness and mental lethargy can last for years.

The condition is possibly triggered by a viral infection.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Esther Crawley said: "We frequently see children who are very severely affected and unable to get out of bed."

Although there is no cure for the disorder, carefully thought-out exercise regimes can help patients overcome the debilitating symptoms.

Treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressants also have a role to play, although there used to be resistance among ME campaigners to any psychiatric approaches.

A 2002 report by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said thousands of severely ill people with ME were not getting access to proper medical care because of the widespread prejudice.

Sir Liam said then it was time for the disease to 'come out of the wilderness'.

Professor Richard Baker, chairman of the guideline development group, said: "Care for people with chronic fatigue syndrome and ME has varied widely, and in the worst cases has left some people with the condition feeling that their illness isn't recognised by the healthcare system.

"This is an important opportunity to change the current situation for the better."

Dr Frederick Nye, another member of the group, said: "Therapy or graded exercise should be made available for patients with mild or moderately severe illness - both treatments have been shown in clinical trials to control symptoms and improve physical function.

"Although all patients want to get better, none should be coerced into accepting any particular form of treatment."