Resource Evaluation Guidelines

The ME/CFS information landscape includes high-quality patient-led resources alongside misinformation and exploitation. The patient community has developed sophisticated evaluation skills born of necessity. ## Indicators of Reliable Resources

• Connection to established patient organizations
• Citation of peer-reviewed research
• Acknowledgment of uncertainty and ME/CFS heterogeneity
• Clear distinction between established knowledge and speculation
• Avoidance of cure claims
• Transparency about funding sources
• Respect for patient autonomy and pacing needs

1 Warning Signs

• Guaranteed cures
• Pressure to commit quickly or pay upfront
• Hostility to questions
• Rejection of biomedical model without evidence
• Promotion of graded exercise therapy without acknowledging PEM risks
• Claims that contradict major patient surveys
• No outcome data available
• Primarily selling products or services

French-language resources from ASFC (France), Swiss organizations, and Canadian French resources may supplement the primarily Flemish Belgian organizations. The European ME Alliance provides pan-European perspective and advocacy regardless of language.