Background:<\/strong><\/p>\n The diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) is complex and largely based on self-reported symptom profiles. The field lacks consensus for a singular case definition and heterogeneous samples make comparability across studies difficult.<\/p>\n Purpose:<\/strong><\/p>\n The present study sought to validate a comprehensive self-report measure of ME\/CFS symptomatology to aid in clinical and research assessment.<\/p>\n Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to establish the underlying factor structure of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) using a well-characterized sample of individuals (92.6% met the Fukuda et al. criteria and\/or the Clinical Canadian Criteria) and this structure was then tested on a less stringently recruited sample of individuals utilizing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent and discriminant validity of the DSQ were also examined utilizing alternative measures of symptomatology and functioning.<\/p>\n Results:<\/strong><\/p>\n A three-factor solution was found using EFA (Neuroendocrine, Autonomic, and Immune Symptoms; Neurological\/Cognitive Dysfunction; Post-Exertional Malaise) and the fit of this factor structure was adequate for the second sample. The DSQ was found to have good convergent and discriminant validity.<\/p>\n Conclusions:<\/strong><\/p>\n The DSQ is a valid tool for assessing ME\/CFS symptoms. There may be two core ME\/CFS symptom clusters: post-exertional malaise and cognitive dysfunction.<\/p>\n Validating a measure of myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome symptomatology<\/a> by Abigail A. Brown & Leonard A. Jason in<\/span> Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior<\/em> Volume 2, Issue 3, 2014<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Abstract Background: The diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) is complex and largely based on self-reported symptom profiles. The field lacks consensus for a singular case definition and heterogeneous samples make comparability across studies difficult. Purpose: The present study … Continue reading