Abstract:
In previous qualitative research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), researchers have focused on the experiences of patients with ME/CFS in tertiary care samples. This qualitative study examined the natural history of people with ME/CFS (n = 19) from a community-based sample. Findings highlighted multilayered themes involving the illness experience and the physical construction of ME/CFS.
In addition, this study further illuminated unique subthemes regarding community response and treatment, which have implications for understanding the progression of ME/CFS as well as experiences of those within patient networks. There is a need for more longitudinal qualitative research on epidemiological samples of patients with ME/CFS.
Source: Anderson VR, Jason LA, Hlavaty LE. A qualitative natural history study of ME/CFS in the community. Health Care Women Int. 2014 Jan;35(1):3-26. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2012.684816. Epub 2013 Feb 27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852694/ (Full article)