Functioning in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome: increased impairment with co-occurring multiple chemical sensitivity and fibromyalgia
2007

Functioning in Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sample size: 114 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Molly M Brown, Jason Leonard A

Primary Institution: DePaul University

Hypothesis

Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience increased impairment when co-occurring with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and fibromyalgia (FM).

Conclusion

The study found that individuals with CFS who also have MCS and FM experience greater impairment than those with CFS alone.

Supporting Evidence

  • Individuals with CFS alone had a mean physical functioning score of 53.61.
  • Those with CFS-MCS had a mean physical functioning score of 42.50.
  • Participants with CFS-FM had a mean physical functioning score of 40.56.
  • Individuals with CFS-MCS-FM had a mean physical functioning score of 32.89.

Takeaway

People with chronic fatigue syndrome can feel even worse if they also have other conditions like multiple chemical sensitivity and fibromyalgia.

Methodology

The study analyzed various outcome measures in individuals with CFS, MCS, FM, and combinations of these conditions.

Participant Demographics

Participants included individuals diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, with some also having multiple chemical sensitivity and fibromyalgia.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-5918-6-6

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