The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has ceased recommending the previous form of graded exercise therapy for individuals with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This earlier approach involved increasing activity on a predetermined schedule, irrespective of symptoms.
A GP noted that specialist ME/CFS provision remains limited. Many chronic conditions, including rheumatological and neurological illnesses, have specialist services for diagnosis, symptom management, and support, even if there is no cure.
A government strategy on ME, published over a year ago, reportedly lacked both substantive funding and outcome targets. A key action from this strategy, exploring the commissioning of a specialised service for those with the most severe ME, is now delayed until April 2027.