Open AccessExamining Types of Fatigue Among Individuals with ME/CFS
Author(s) -
Leonard A. Jason,
Tricia Jessen,
Nicole Porter,
Aaron J. Boulton,
Mary Gloria C. Njoku
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
disability studies quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2159-8371
pISSN - 1041-5718
DOI - 10.18061/dsq.v29i3.938
Subject(s) - chronic fatigue syndrome , chronic fatigue , medicine , encephalomyelitis , clinical psychology , psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , multiple sclerosis
Severe, persisting fatigue is a prominent symptom of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but individuals with this illness frequently report the occurrence of unique fatigue states that might be different from conventional symptoms of fatigue. The present study attempted to assess a comprehensive set of fatigue symptoms that have been commonly reported among patients with ME/CFS. A 22-item fatigue questionnaire was developed and administered to 130 persons diagnosed with ME/CFS and 251 controls. Adequate scale reliability was found. Factor analyses revealed a five-factor structure for participants with ME/CFS but only a one factor solution for the control group. The new scale was also contrasted with other more traditional scales developed to measure fatigue. Findings suggest that individuals with ME/CFS experience different types of fatigue than what are reported in the general populations.