Outdated Government Data Misclassifying M.E./C.F.S. as Mental Illness Sparks Concern

A serious flaw in Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data systems has come to light, and it’s raising major concerns for people living with M.E./C.F.S.

Research by Portsmouth-based Stripy Lightbulb CIC has revealed M.E./C.F.S., a neurological condition recognised by the World Health Organisation, is still being incorrectly classified as a mental health condition or learning difficulty across multiple UK government datasets.

Crucially, this isn’t a simple error.

Instead, it stems from a legacy decision made years ago, when broad categories of “vulnerability” were used in administrative systems. 

Those outdated labels have since been carried forward, despite significant advances in medical understanding.

Why This Matters

The impact of this misclassification is far-reaching:

Employment Tribunal data may be misleading employers, potentially influencing workplace policies and equality decisions

Courts and probation services could be relying on inaccurate information when assessing individuals’ needs

Researchers and policymakers may be working with flawed data

For those living with M.E./C.F.S., the consequences are even more personal. From facing unnecessary barriers to justice to having to repeatedly explain the biomedical nature of their condition, the system is adding pressure where support is needed most.

A Systemic Problem

Because MoJ datasets are linked and often inherit classifications from older systems, the issue has spread widely, creating a ripple effect across the justice system and beyond.

As Sally, founder of Stripy Lightbulb CIC, explained to That's Health: “This isn’t a glitch or a typo. It’s a legacy decision that has been baked into government systems for years, resulting in the structural misrepresentation of a neurological disease.”

No Timeline for Change

Although the MoJ has acknowledged the issue and confirmed internal discussions are underway, there is currently no clear plan or timeline for correcting the classification.

Stripy Lightbulb CIC is now calling for urgent action to bring data systems in line with modern medical standards.

A Fix Within Reach

The solution, campaigners argue, is straightforward: update classification systems to reflect current scientific understanding.

Until that happens, inaccurate data will continue to shape decisions across employment, justice, and policy—leaving people with M.E./C.F.S. at a disadvantage.

As Sally puts it: “People with ME/CFS deserve a justice system that recognises their illness for what it, not what it was once assumed to be.”

To learn more please visit http://www.stripylightbulb.com.