Key genetic differences found in people with chronic fatigue syndrome
New ScientistAUG 10
Scientists Find Genetic Links to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Above: Camp beds set up during an ME/CFS awareness protest in Vienna, Austria on May 12, 2025. Image copyright: Joe Klamar/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This breakthrough finally validates what patients have known all along — ME/CFS is a real, biological illness with genetic underpinnings. The eight genetic signals discovered provide concrete evidence that immune and nervous system differences contribute to the condition, directly countering decades of dismissive attitudes from medical professionals who labeled it as psychological. These findings will empower patients to walk into doctors' offices with scientific proof, ending the stigma and disbelief that has plagued the community for far too long.
Narrative B
While the genetic associations are statistically significant, they explain only a small fraction of ME/CFS risk and cannot be used for diagnosis or treatment. The study relies on self-reported questionnaire data rather than clinical diagnoses, introducing potential diagnostic errors that may affect up to one-third of cases. The identified variants are also found in healthy individuals, and significant comorbidities like depression and chronic pain may confound results, blurring what these results are truly saying.