Concept of Benign Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Abstract

MEDIBALITJURNAL 11The occurrence of a mass hysterical reaction shows not that the population is psychologically abnormal but merely that it is socially segregated and consists predominantly of young females.Our reassessment has been possible only because of the generous help we have received from the medical, administrative, and nursing staff of the Royal Free Group of Hospitals. We would like to place on record our appreciation of this co-operation, which has been truly unstinting. Our views are, of course, entirely our own.

Epidemic Hysteria: A Review of the Published Literature

“…The reports have generated letters to editors (21,25,(88)(89)(90)(91)(92), and multiple articles per outbreak are common. Of the 70 outbreaks reported here, 13 have generated two articles ( (13,86,100). Once published, the reports have to be readily available to those seeking information.…”

‘Stories’ of chronic fatigue syndrome: an exploratory discursive psychological analysis

“…This constitutes an attack against their identity, whereas an organically based physical illness diagnosis can lead to empathy and a respect that they are not personally at fault for their condition. This threat of stigmatization has been increased by those reports that state CFS originates in the mind in terms of a psychological disorder (Abbey and Garfinkel, 1991;Manu, 1994;McEvedy and Beard, 1970). Hence, the controversy is further strengthened due to the threat of stigmatization if labelled as mentally ill.…”

Definitionen des „Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” (CFS)

“…1869 von dem New Yorker Elektrotherapeuten George Beard mit dem Namen ,,Neurasthenie" bedacht [8], erschien die ,,Ersch6pfungskrankheit" in den folgenden Jahren als ,,Atypische Poliomyetitis" [1,24,56], ,,Epidemische Neuromyasthenie" [25, 48,55], ,,Idiopathisches chronisches Ersch6pfungs-und Myalgiesyndrom" [12], ,,Epidemische myalgische Enzephalomyelitis" [9] oder ,,Postvirales Syndrom" [3]. Wfihrend sich in der britischen medizinischen Literatur der letztenJahrzehnte die Bezeichnungen ,,Benigne myalgische Enzephalomyelitis" [2,23,45] [28] seien. In einer sp~te-ren Stellungsnahme heiBt es dann: ,Wir haben eine I)efinition zusanlmengeste}lt, die die au~{lligsten Aspekte des Syndroms reflektiert und die deshalb aro wahrscheinlichsten spezifisch t~ir jenen pathogenetischen Mechanismus ist, welcher dem Chronic Fatigue Syndrome zugrunde liegt [29]."…”