title: A qualitative natural history study of ME/CFS in the community.
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.
authors: a Department of Psychology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan , USA.
authors: Valerie R
authors: VR
authors: Anderson
authors: Leonard A
authors: LA
authors: Jason
authors: Laura E
authors: LE
authors: Hlavaty
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires