Rainbow at shoreline

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

These clinical guides are suitable for both clinicians and patients, and are highly recommended.

Clinical Guides for ME/CFS in adults

"ME/CFS:  A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners, An Overview of the Canadian Consensus Document," by Bruce Carruthers, M.D. and M. I. van de Sande, c 2005-2006 (28 pp.) This is an excellent overview for physicians with practical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, based on the 2003 Canadian Consensus Document.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—Assessment and Treatment of Patients with ME/CFS:  Clinical Guidelines for Psychiatrists, Eleanor Stein MD FRCP(C), c 2010.
Understanding CFS/ME and how to distinguish it from primary depression and anxiety disorders; guidelines for treating depression and anxiety in the context of CFS/ME; understanding the psychological issues commonly seen in CFS/ME; special sections on children and adolescents and drug sensitivities commonly seen in CFS/ME patients.

CFS-ME Guide for Pharmacists
, Janice Sumpton, RPh, BSc.Phm, c 2008, Fall Update 2009 (12 pp.)
Written by a pharmacist, but basically an overview of diagnosis, management, and treatment of the illness which could be helpful to any health care professional, also based on the Canadian Consensus Document. FM-CFS Canada home page.

Clinical/Educational Guide for ME/CFS in children and adolescents 

TEACH-ME:  A SOURCEBOOK FOR TEACHERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
by Dr. Bruce M. Carruthers  with Dr. David S. Bell Second Edition, c 2005 (129 pp.) This online booklet covers the basics of both ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia in young people: medical aspects, the impact of these illnesses on the young person and their family, the consequences to schoolwork  and practical approaches to educational planning.

Clinical Guides for fibromyalgia

"Fibromyalgia Syndrome:  A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners, An Overview of the Canadian Consensus Document", by Bruce Carruthers, M.D. and M. I. van de Sande, c 2005-2006 (30 pp.) This is an excellent overview for physicians with practical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, based on the Canadian Consensus Document.

FM Guide for Pharmacists, by Janice Sumpton, RPh, BSc.Phm, c 2008, Fall Update 2009 (12 pp.) Written by a pharmacist, but basically an overview of diagnosis, management, and treatment of the illness which could be helpful to any health care professional, also based on the Canadian Consensus Document. FM-CFS Canada home page

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.