France officially recognizes chronic fatigue syndrome as a disease

French health insurance has officially recognized chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis) as a chronic disease rather than a psychological disorder. In an updated guide, the institution emphasized that symptoms such as severe exhaustion, non-restorative sleep, and cognitive impairment should not be attributed to an individual's thoughts or behavior.

A key characteristic of the condition is the worsening of symptoms following physical or mental activity. The guide advises against standard exercise programs or gradual increases in activity as treatments, noting that activity levels must be tailored to each patient's capacity.

While the exact cause remains unknown, the condition often follows viral infections. Estimates suggest approximately 200,000 adults in France lived with the disease prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers expected to have increased since. Although the disease has been classified by the World Health Organization since 1969, a definitive diagnostic pattern and cure are still being sought.