Functioning in Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Co-occurring Conditions
Author Information
Author(s): Molly M Brown, Jason Leonard A
Primary Institution: DePaul University
Hypothesis
This study seeks to differentiate chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and fibromyalgia (FM) by comparing individuals with one or more illnesses on various measures of functioning.
Conclusion
Individuals with CFS alone were the highest functioning group, while those with all three diagnoses experienced the greatest amount of disability.
Supporting Evidence
- 43.9% of participants met criteria for CFS alone.
- The CFS-MCS-FM group was more disabled than the CFS alone group on measures of physical functioning.
- Individuals with CFS-MCS-FM reported more severe bodily pain than those with CFS alone.
- Participants with CFS-MCS-FM experienced significantly more depression than those with CFS alone.
- Individuals with CFS-MCS had lower social functioning scores than those with CFS alone.
Takeaway
People with chronic fatigue syndrome who also have other conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivity feel worse and have a harder time doing everyday things.
Methodology
Participants were divided into four groups based on their diagnoses and assessed using self-report measures, psychiatric interviews, and in vivo physical measures.
Limitations
The study did not find significant differences in physical measures across groups, which may limit the interpretation of the results.
Participant Demographics
83.3% female, average age 43.8 years, 87.7% Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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