Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Can Cause Frequent School Absence

Nearly 1% of students at three U.K. schools missed ≥20% of school and were diagnosed with CFS/ME.

According to the U.K. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in children can be characterized by disabling fatigue lasting 3 months or longer with one additional symptom, where no other cause for fatigue can be established. To examine whether school-based clinics can help identify students with CFS/ME, researchers reviewed attendance records of 2855 students aged 11 to 16 years at three secondary public schools in the U.K.

Five percent (146 students) had missed at least 20% of school during a 6-week term without an identifiable reason (illness, vacation, or truancy); 112 students were evaluated at the school clinic for potential medical causes for t…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)