Fatigue syndrome may be to blame for pupil absence

Experts found 28 cases of the condition among 2,850 children from three schools, 23 of whom had not been diagnosed before, in the study in the journal BMJ Open.

They tended to have less fatigue and fewer symptoms than those normally picked up through health services.

The ME Association welcomed the results, which it said underlined the need for GPs and paediatricians to be better trained to diagnose the condition, which can lead to severe, disabling fatigue, insomnia, low mood and muscle pain or headaches amid evidence treatment can be effective.