For health professionals

ME/CFS is a complex neurological disorder. To help doctors to accurately diagnose and support patients with ME/CFS, Emerge Australia keeps this page up to date with the most relevant information, research news and resources for health professionals.

If you have a question, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

A new, accredited GP education module

Registered health professionals can enrol and complete training using this link: GP education module

Treatment and management

Pacing is currently considered to be the most effective management tool. Pacing involves reducing the patient’s physical and cognitive activity to remain within their limited energy reserves with lengthy periods of rest, to minimise post-exertional malaise (PEM) and other symptoms. More information on management and treatment, including pacing is provided on the treatment and management page.

Graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy are no longer recommended as treatments for ME/CFS. More information can be found on the graded exercise therapy and CBT for ME/CFS page.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have excellent up to date information on all things ME/CFS including treatment and management information. You can access the CDC information here.

ME/CFS resource for school nurses

School nurses can make a big difference in the life of a student with ME/CFS. School nurses are well placed to work in partnership with the student, their family, teaching staff, and the learning and support teams within the school to develop appropriate accommodations that can allow students with ME/CFS to continue to attend school and connect with their peers.

Please read more about supporting students with ME/CFS in a school environment by downloading our flyer.

Telehealth Nurse Service

Emerge Australia operates a Telehealth Nurse Service, which means that we employ a registered nurse to provide case management support for people with ME/CFS. See the telehealth nurse service page for more information.

Keep up with the latest on ME/CFS

Emerge Australia’s fortnightly Research Digest provides links to the latest Australian and international research journal articles on ME/CFS. The journal focuses on biomedical research and contains three or four short write ups of recent research publications.

Read the latest issue or sign up to have the Research Digest delivered by email so that you don't miss out on future issues.

Latest

Research Digest 29/05/20

Welcome to the 48th edition of the Research Digest featuring a study that investigates differences in immune gene SNP expression in ME/CFS and a systematic review on neurological impairments as measured by neuroimaging techniques.
Research Digest 15/05/20

Welcome to the 47th edition of the Research Digest. This fortnight's edition digests a whole brain MRS study looking at metabolite abnormalities in the brains of ME/CFS patients and a French study investigating muscle excitability in exercising and resting muscles of patients diagnosed with ME/CFS.
National Volunteer Week

Emerge Australia is incredibly grateful for the many volunteers who contribute to the delivery of our services and programs, in support of all Australians living with ME/CFS.
ME Marathon Skate

I'm fundraising to give hope and help to the 250,000 people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) across Australia.

Coronavirus and ME - Simplified facts

Many people with ME/CFS and other vulnerable communities in Australia are concerned about the impacts of the spreading coronavirus disease COVID-19. This is an easy-read resource with the latest information and advice.
Research Digest 06/03/20

Welcome to the 42nd edition, featuring a study into a potential clinically-suitable diagnostic biomarker for ME/CFS and a study that furthers our knowledge of the mitochondrial dysfunction exhibited by ME/CFS patients.
Accessibility
Research Digest 03/04/20

Welcome to the 44th edition of the Research Digest. This edition features a recently published book that highlights the value of biomedical research in ME/CFS and a systematic review into the effect of treatment interventions on pain scores in paediatric ME/CFS patients.
Research Digest 20/03/20

Welcome to the 43rd edition of the Research Digest. This fortnight's edition features two studies that investigate new approaches to the way ME/CFS can be diagnosed using microRNA analysis and fMRI.
Research Digest 24/01/20

Welcome to the 39th edition, featuring a systematic review of ME/CFS randomized controlled trials and a study into the use of heart rate variability as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting fatigue severity in ME/CFS patients.
Research Digest 15/05/20

Welcome to the 47th edition of the Research Digest. This fortnight's edition digests a whole brain MRS study looking at metabolite abnormalities in the brains of ME/CFS patients and a French study investigating muscle excitability in exercising and resting muscles of patients diagnosed with ME/CFS.
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Raises Money for Emerge Australia

'We just wanted to do something for our daughter who was diagnosed about five years ago with sudden onset ME/CFS,' Peter and Bronwyn said. '...after considering a few different options for raising money, we thought about a Bunnings BBQ.'
Coronavirus and ME

We know that many people with ME/CFS (as well as those caring for them) are experiencing concern about the spread of, and possibly contracting, coronavirus. We recognise that people with chronic illness have valid reasons for additional caution at this time.
Research Digest 1/05/20

Welcome to the 46th edition of the Research Digest. This fortnight's edition features an Australian study examining qualitative feedback from paediatric ME/CFS patients and a study investigating the correlation between ME/CFS disease severity and cellular bioenergetic function.

A new, accredited GP education module

Treatment and management

ME/CFS resource for school nurses

Telehealth Nurse Service

Keep up with the latest on ME/CFS

Recommended reading