CDC Criteria for CFS a bit strange?

[Guest guest]

I always thought that the CDC criteria for CFS (set interestingly in 1994) was a

bit strange

in the fact that one had to have it for at least 6 months:

_ " Severe, unexplained fatigue that is not relieved by rest, which can cause

disability and

which has an identifiable onset (i.e., not lifelong fatigue). It must be

persistent or relapsing

fatigue that lasts for at least six or more consecutive months. " _

http://www.fmnetnews.com/pages/criteria.html

Ah, but it now makes perfect sense that the insurance companies were most likely

partners-in-crime in setting this criteria since it would then allow them to

delay insurance

payments to those who might have CFS but would have to wait for 6 months of

having the

symptoms before they could actually be diagnosed. The report by UNUM on the

dramatic

increase in CFS also just happend to come out in 1994 btw. A coincidence? I

suspect NOT.

_ " It is known that the incidence of ME/CFS is rising: this evidence comes from

UNUM, one

of the largest disability insurers in the United States; in April 1994, UNUM

reported that in

the five years from 1989-1993, mensf disability claims for CFS increased by

360%, whilst

womensf claims for CFS increased 557%. No other disease category surpassed

these rates

of increase. In order of insurance costs, CFS/ME came second in the list of the

five most

expensive chronic conditions, being three places above AIDS. " _

http://www.meactionuk.org.uk/CONCEPTS_OF_ACCOUNTABILITY.htm

Another interesting fact that might skew the prevalence figures of CFS is

_ " when it comes to research studies or prevalence figures determined by the

CDC, you

will not be included as a CFS patient if you have any other co-existing medical

condition

(other than FMS and mild depression/anxiety). " _

http://www.fmnetnews.com/pages/criteria.html

Here is another interesting organization, which I assume works in line with the

insurance

companies to deny CFS compensation:

http://www.fhipa.com/ipa-cfs.html

It's amazing what one will find looking around on the net.

paul