Background: The diagnosis and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is subject to debate.
Aims: To measure the time to diagnosis and services accessed.
Method: A national cross-sectional study. A profile and service utilisation questionnaire, information on the pathways to diagnosis, the WHOQoL Brief and a listing of priorities of the needs of participants were used. Individuals were invited to participate if they had a medical diagnosis of ME/CFS.
Results: A total of 211 surveys were returned. Prior to diagnosis sufferers accessed on average 4.5 services after their initial consultation. The mean time to diagnosis was 3.7 years but time ranged from 0 to 34 years. Quality of life deteriorated post-onset. The priority for future service provision was increased understanding and diagnosis of ME/CFS by the medical profession.
Conclusion: In order to alleviate the burden on the sufferer there is a greater need for education on this condition.