2025/07/08 by Stephanie L. Grach, J. L. Seltzer, Diana M. Orbelo · 1 voice
Medicine · #Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.3390/jcm14144847
openalex publication_date 2025/07/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Background/Objectives: Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may report abnormalities in voice and speech; however, no formal research has been conducted in this area. Methods: An online mixed-methods survey was completed by 685 people with ME/CFS. A total of 302 respondents completed the qualitative component (44.09%). Questions assessed disease experience with ME/CFS and post-exertional malaise without prompting on specific symptoms. Within the qualitative results, a search of the terms “speech, voice,” “words,” and “speak” was conducted. Results: Excluding neurocognitive associations, colloquial phrases, and “speech therapy,” there were 38 mentions of the terms in the context of voice or speech changes across 28 unique qualitative survey responses (9.27%). Conclusions: A notable portion of respondents reported voice or speech changes when responding to open-ended qualitative questions about their disease experience. More research is needed regarding the implications of voice and speech anomalies in ME/CFS pathology and disease monitoring.