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Research Articles

Variability in symptoms complicates utility of case definitions

, &
Pages 164-172
Received 19 Dec 2014
Accepted 13 Apr 2015
Published online: 12 May 2015
 

Background: Ambiguities in case definitions have created difficulties in replicating findings and estimating the prevalence rates for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Purpose: The current study examined differences in occurrence rates for CFS and ME cardinal symptoms (i.e. post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and neurocognitive deficits). Results: Findings indicated that there is a wide range of occurrence rates on critical symptoms of the case definition, suggesting that either the types of patients recruited differ in various settings or the questions assessing core symptoms vary in their wording or criteria among different researchers. Conclusions: The polythetic nature of the case definition may contribute to the wide ranges of symptom occurrence that was found. In order to increase assessed reliability of the symptoms and case definitions, there is a need to better standardize data collection methods and operationalization of symptoms. This solution would reduce the heterogeneity often seen in populations of CFS patients.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephanie L. McManimen

Stephanie L. McManimen, B.S., is currently a research assistant at DePaul University’s Center for Community Research. Her interests include chronic illnesses and early detection of illnesses.

Leonard A. Jason

Leonard A. Jason, Ph.D, received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester in 1975. He is a currently professor of psychology at DePaul University and the Director of the Center for Community Research. He has published over 600 articles and chapters on community psychology, chronic fatigue syndrome, Myalgic encephalomyelitis, and Oxford House recovery homes for substance abuse.

Yolonda J. Williams

Yolonda J. Williams, Ph.D, received her doctoral degree in community psychology from National Louis University in 2012. She is currently the project director for a prospective health study at the Center for Community Research examining biological and psychological markers that may cause some college students to develop chronic fatigue syndrome after the onset of infectious mononucleosis.

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