title: A review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review and synthesize findings across qualitative studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Articles were systematically reviewed and analyzed within a meta-analytic framework. Analyses included a multi-perspective examination of ME/CFS, as well as a comparative analysis of ME/CFS versus other chronic conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-four qualitative studies on ME/CFS were included. Findings include three substantive thematic areas that focus on: (1) experiences of people with ME/CFS, (2) experiences of physicians, and (3) themes that intersect both of these groups. For patients, illness development influenced identity, reductions in functioning, and coping. Physician-specific themes described lack of awareness about ME/CFS and recommended improvement in educational resources. Intersecting themes expressed issues with diagnosis creating tensions and fueling the stigmatization of ME/CFS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate multilayered, context-specific experiences and ways in which both people with ME/CFS, as well as those involved in their lives (e.g., family or the medical community), interpret this illness. Future qualitative studies should recognize the various facets of the ME/CFS experience, the network members of people with ME/CFS, and the sociocultural environment through which the illness is understood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care professionals can gain unique insight from patient experiences, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. ande1538@msu.edu
authors.forename: Valerie R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Leonard A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Jason
authors.forename: Laura E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Hlavaty
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cudia
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept