Patients with a self diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis

EDITOR,--Myalgic encephalomyelitis is most commonly related to an underlying psychological or psychiatric disturbance.1 2 Shonagh Scott and colleagues report that when general practitioners deal with symptoms consistent with those of myalgic encephalomyelitis their attitude is likely to be influenced by the patient's perception, expectations, and social class.3 It is not uncommon for patients to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis themselves before they seek a consultation; this can lead to disruption of the doctor-patient relationship, unsatisfactory consultations, and possibly failure to diagnose any underlying pathological process. We …