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

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.
Government to fund telehealth services in response to Coronavirus

The Prime Minister has announced that the government will fund new health measures under Medicare, including telehealth services and online prescriptions.
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.
Our impact

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.
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.
Accessibility
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.
What is ME/CFS?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and disabling disease that affects many parts of the body, including the brain and muscles, as well as the digestive, immune and cardiac systems, among others.
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.'
Diagnosis

How a diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is made, the severity scale of ME/CFS, and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis
Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a Centrelink payment providing financial support if you have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops you from working. Click here to access resources developed to assist people with ME/CFS to understand DSP and what is required to apply.
Research Digest 10/01/20

Welcome to the 38th edition, featuring a Nature paper examining blood lactate levels in ME/CFS patients whilst at rest and a paper investigating the effect of pharmaceutical intervention on NK cell cytotoxicity in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy individuals.
National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to help support people with disability. Click here to access resources developed to assist people with ME/CFS to understand the NDIS and what is required to apply.

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