France's national health insurance body, L'Assurance Maladie, has officially recognised chronic fatigue syndrome as a disease in its own right since August 6. The move brings relief to patients whose condition has long been wrongly dismissed as a purely psychological disorder or simple tiredness.
The syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is marked by constant, disabling fatigue that can persist for months or even years without an apparent cause and is not relieved by rest or sleep. Classified as a neurological disease, it often appears suddenly and can cause a rapid, significant deterioration in health.
L'Assurance Maladie described the condition on its Ameli platform as a disabling illness with a strong impact on people's social and professional lives, forcing sufferers to adapt their usual work or leisure activities.
Symptoms go beyond severe fatigue to include joint and muscle pain, migraines, cognitive problems such as memory loss and attention difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues. After physical or intellectual overexertion or an emotional shock, patients can experience what is known as post-exertional malaise, which worsens existing symptoms and can trigger new ones.
L'Assurance Maladie said repeated episodes of post-exertional malaise can worsen the disease, sometimes quickly and severely, making it essential to avoid them as much as possible. The body has issued a series of recommendations aimed at limiting their effects.
Often Linked to a Viral Infection
The exact cause of the condition remains unknown. In most cases, the illness begins after an infection, often viral, according to L'Assurance Maladie, which cited cases occurring after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, as well as other herpesviruses, cytomegaloviruses, enteroviruses and coronaviruses. It said the disease can also develop after surgery, exposure to toxic substances, trauma, or disruptions to the immune system.
The severity of the condition varies. A mild form, involving roughly a 50% drop in activity levels, affects about a quarter of patients. A moderate to moderately severe form affects around half of patients, whose ability to move around and carry out daily activities becomes increasingly limited. A severe form affects the remaining quarter, leaving patients bedridden for more than 20 hours a day and dependent on others for everyday tasks such as washing or eating.
At Least 200,000 People Affected in France
The syndrome affects people of all ages but mainly women. L'Assurance Maladie said available estimates suggest around 200,000 adults in France had the condition before the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the number of people affected is believed to have risen sharply since. It noted that no national epidemiological study currently exists.
There is currently no cure for the condition, but L'Assurance Maladie said appropriate care can help stabilise the disease and may even improve symptoms.
