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Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Freud (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2011.


Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in view of the fact that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is categorised by the World Health Organisation’s mandatory International Categorisation of Diseases as a neurological disease, why Department for Work and Pensions guidelines define CFS/ME as ““an illness that is characterised by physical and mental fatigue and fatigability””.
Answer

DWP guidance does state that ““The term chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is used to describe an illness that is characterised by physical and mental fatigue and fatigability””; however, this is referring to the symptoms associated with the condition and is not a reference to its aetiology or classification.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13264; 732 c181-2WA
Session
2010-12
Subjects
ME/CFS Social security benefits
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk