Thanks for posting this, ixchelkali.
That is a highly unfortunate and inaccurate quote about XMRV
Does anyone know if this study is in keeping with the literature? Or do we only have incidental physician reporting to rely on to date? I personally find this figure HIGHLY improbable. According to the article, only half of GPs who received the survey responded, and only half of those who responded "said they accepted CFS as a distinct diagnosis." The study notes that it took the teens an average of 17 mos to get a diagnosis, which for the majority, was not from their GP.
They also found females 5x as many females (teens) w/CFS than males. That can't be right. Not only does it not match the wider rates among adults, but I'm fairly sure Dr. Bell has stated that rates appear to be about equal (male and female) among children.
In my opinion, this study points to the dire consequences of the lack of research and physician education about ME/CFS, especially concerning children.
- invisible ME
SaveME - I also became ill with ME/CFS as a teen and knew at least one other teen (a close friend) who did as well. According to these stats, that would be almost impossible! I know it doesn't change anything, but I actually think the stats reported in this article have more to do with under-diagnosis than with actual rates of illness.
