Review Assessment of symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a comparative study of existing scales, 2025, Lu et al

[Andy]

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multifaceted disorder characterized by persistent fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbance, pain, psychological distress, orthostatic intolerance, and impaired multidimensional health status and functioning. In the absence of reliable biomarkers, standardized symptom assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and comparability across studies.

This narrative literature review synthesized studies identified through PubMed and Web of Science up to June 2024, covering assessment instruments across major ME/CFS symptom domains. Tools were evaluated for their psychometric validity, clinical applicability, and key limitations. Overall, existing scales demonstrate acceptable reliability but vary in sensitivity and disease specificity. Harmonized, multidimensional, and digitally or objectively validated measures are needed to improve diagnostic precision, longitudinal monitoring, and clinical translation in ME/CFS.

Open access

 

[Hoopoe]

Based on the current evidence, the CFQ-11, DSQ-PEM, PSQI, HADS, and SF-36 emerge as the most validated tools for adult ME/CFS

Statements like this show how much the professionals need patient input. That these have often been used does not mean they are any good.

 

[Utsikt]

In the absence of reliable biomarkers, standardized symptom assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and comparability across studies.

For diagnosis - absolutely not.

For studies - maybe, depending on what the intervention is. We’re not yet at the point of trying to determine the best of many effective interventions, so cross-study comparability isn’t really much of a concern yet.

Harmonized, multidimensional, and digitally or objectively validated measures are needed to improve diagnostic precision, longitudinal monitoring, and clinical translation in ME/CFS.

Says who?

 

[rvallee]

Statements like this show how much the professionals need patient input. That these have often been used does not mean they are any good.

Also, literally a popularity contest. They are the 'most validated', in the sense of being the most used. They are confusing 'has been studied for evaluation' with validity. The CFQ is pure garbage and is probably the most 'validated' in the sense of being the most used. It means absolutely nothing, this is not how to make progress.

 

[Utsikt]

Also, literally a popularity contest. They are the 'most validated', in the sense of being the most used. They are confusing 'has been studied for evaluation' with validity. The CFQ is pure garbage and is probably the most 'validated' in the sense of being the most used. It means absolutely nothing, this is not how to make progress.

It’s like thinking you’ve made a super accurate ruler by writing some numbers on a stick from the backyard and everything happens to be just as long as they stick says it is, so the stick must be right.

 

[DMissa]

I’m tired, boss