Assessing attitudes toward new names for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Evaluation and the Health Professions, 24, 424-435 (2001).

Jason, L.A., Eisele, H., & Taylor, R.R.

Abstract:
A questionnaire was distributed at the American Association of Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome's (AACFS) biannual convention in Washington in January
2001, as well as through various Internet websites and listservs during
early February and March of 2001.  The sample consisted of 432 respondents.

Most respondents (86%) indicated that they wanted a name change, though
more patients than scientists were in favor of this change.  It was also
apparent that the patients and physicians were clearly split between
adopting a name like Myalgic Encephalopathy, versus one like
Neuro-Endocrine Immune Disorder.

In addition, among those respondents who selected either of these two
choices for a new name, less than 30% of them supported the other name.

While the majority of respondents do feel that the name should be changed
at this time, this survey suggests that there are different stakeholders
involved in the name-change process, each with strong and sometimes
disparate feelings about changing the name.