Research abstract:

The present study attempted to identify critical symptom domains of individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Using patient and control samples collected in the United States, Great Britain, and Norway, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to establish the underlying factor structure of ME and CFS symptoms.

The EFA suggested a four-factor solution:
post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, sleep difficulties, and a combined factor consisting of neuroendocrine, autonomic, and immune dysfunction symptoms. The use of empirical methods could help better understand the fundamental symptom domains of this illness.

Factor Analysis of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire: Identifying Core Domains, by Leonard A. Jason, Madison Sunnquist, Abigail Brown, Jacob Furst, Marjoe Cid, Jillianna Farietta, Bobby Kot, Craig Bloomer, Laura Nicholson, Yolonda Williams, Rachel Jantke, Julia L. Newton and Elin Bolle Strand in Journal of Neurology and Neurobiology 1:4 2015