ArticleChronic illness2020
Patients' hopes for recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome: Toward a "recovery in" framework.
Article in Chronic illness, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Recent research in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an evidence map.Health technology assessment (Winchester, England) · 2025Pooled it
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnostic reporting in the 2021-2023 National Health Interview Survey.BMC public health · 2026Article
- Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome: a reflexive thematic analysis of experiences of people before, during and after treatment.International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · 2025Article
- Patients' Experiences Participating Within an Interdisciplinary Primary Care Program for Low Back Pain.Journal of patient experience · 2025Article
- Worsening Symptoms Is Associated with Larger Cerebral Blood Flow Abnormalities during Tilt-Testing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2023Article
- Acquiring a new understanding of illness and agency: a narrative study of recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome.International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · 2023Article
- Elements of Suffering in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Experience of Loss, Grief, Stigma, and Trauma in the Severely and Very Severely Affected.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveThere is no consensus on recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome, which has spawned debates when interpreting outcome research. Within these debates, the patient voice is often neglected. This study aimed to understand how patients conceptualize recovery - regarding the definition and possibility of recovery.
methodWe conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 older (above age 50) female patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome. Data were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis.
resultsOur sample viewed recovery as functioning without fear of relapse, returning to previous roles and identities, and achieving a sustained absence of symptoms. Participants expressed skepticism that reaching recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome exists but working toward significant improvement through coping is a viable goal. Although many accepted they would never reclaim full functioning, participants continued to experience uncertainty about their future with unclear prognostic goals and limited treatment options. DISCUSSION: Recovery is more than just symptom reduction. Outcome research should incorporate well-being measures like identity, meaning and quality of life, and personal empowerment to enhance recovery definitions. When communicating treatment goals, providers might convey cautious optimism for complete symptom remission, while emphasizing that living a fulfilling life through effective coping strategies is possible.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.