Differences in Symptoms among Black and White Patients with ME/CFS

Study samples of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have primarily involved White subjects, so the literature on ethnic differences is sparse. The current study identified a sample of 19 Black patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and compared them with White patients with ME/CFS, as well as with healthy controls. The studies used a similar psychometrically sound assessment tool to assess symptoms in all subjects. Findings indicated there were significant differences between patients with ME/CFS versus controls, but few differences between patients who identified as Black or White. The results suggest there might be few symptom differences between patients with ME/CFS in these two ethnic groups. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Automated summary

Previous studies on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have mainly focused on White subjects, resulting in limited information about ethnic differences. This study examined a sample of 19 Black patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and compared them to White patients with ME/CFS and healthy controls. The findings suggest that there are few differences in symptoms between Black and White patients with ME/CFS. The implications of these findings are discussed.