The CFIDS Association of America States Policy on Changing the Name "CFS"

The CFIDS Association of America's Board of Directors is solidly committed to facilitating a change from the name "chronic fatigue syndrome" to a name that more accurately describes the illness and leads to greater acceptance of the illness.

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) is used as a transitional term to broaden the depiction of the disease beyond fatigue. The Board believes that this term must ultimately be replaced, along with CFS.

The name change is an issue that each director feels strongly about at a very personal level.

The Board recognizes the contributions of Roger Burns, Tom Hennessey and many others in helping to bring this issue to national attention and commends them for their personal efforts.

Although diligent efforts have been made, the patient community has been unable to reach clear consensus on an alternative name (other than CFIDS) that will be accepted and widely used by the medical and scientific communities, legislators, and government agencies. Thus, a premature change to a name not accepted by these institutions could come at a cost of lost recognition and credibility, putting progress in education and public policy at risk.

We believe the key to a better name and greater legitimacy is to continue aggressive pursuit of medical research or the identification of an individual of impeccable reputation coming to the public attention either as a patient or a researcher, for whom the illness could be named.

While we cannot anticipate all circumstances which may arise on this volatile issue, we will actively collaborate with other individuals and groups who support a similar position as we do. Ideally, this issue will unite the movement, although it is more realistic to expect that there will be disagreement over the suitability of various alternative names, the timing of the name change and the process by which the new name will come to be universally accepted and used. We respect such differences of opinion.

Because this issue is so important at so many different levels, and has such widespread implications for the future of the movement and the Association, the Board retains authority to adopt and make known Association policy with respect to the name change.

Issued by The CFIDS Association of America's Board of Directors on March 25, 1998.

The CFIDS Association of America
Advocacy, Information, Research and Encouragement for the CFIDS Community
PO Box 220398
Charlotte NC 28222-0398
Toll-free Info Line: 800/442-3437
Resource Line: 704/365-2343
Fax: 704/365-9755
General e-mail: info@cfids.org

© 2000, The CFIDS Association of America, Inc.
If you have comments about this website please contact webmaster@cfids.org