Chronic Fatigue Severity Index

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Chronic Fatigue Severity Index Calculator: Comprehensive Guide

What Is the Chronic Fatigue Severity Index?

The Chronic Fatigue Severity Index (CFSI) is a validated clinical tool used to quantify fatigue levels and associated symptoms. This standardized assessment helps:

• Identify severity of physical/mental exhaustion

• Track symptom progression over time

• Guide treatment decisions for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

• Differentiate between normal tiredness and clinical fatigue

Key Metrics Measured by the CFSI Calculator

1. Core Symptom Domains

Symptom Measurement Scale Clinical Relevance Physical Fatigue 0- 3 severity scale Impacts daily functionality Mental Fatigue 0- 3 severity scale Affects cognitive performance Post-Exertional Malaise Weighted 1.5x Key CFS diagnostic marker Sleep Quality 0- 3 scale + duration Reveals restorative sleep patterns

2. Demographic Factors

• Age: Fatigue patterns vary across life stages

• Gender: Hormonal influences on energy metabolism

• Weight: BMI correlations with fatigue persistence

How the Calculator Works: 3-Step Process

1. Input Section

   • Symptom severity ratings (0 = None to 3 = Severe)

   • Fatigue duration in months

   • Biological parameters (weight in kg/lbs conversion)

2. Algorithmic Analysis

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   Total Score = Σ(Symptom Score × Weight) × (1 + Duration/12)

   Example: Severe physical fatigue (3) × 1.2 weight = 3.6 points

3. Result Interpretation

   • 0-10: Mild fatigue (Green Zone)

   • 11-20: Moderate fatigue (Yellow Zone)

   • 21+: Severe fatigue (Red Zone)

Understanding Your Results

Risk Meter Analysis

• Green Zone (0-10)
  Recommended Actions:

  • Improve sleep hygiene

  • Monitor stress levels

  • Basic nutritional adjustments

• Yellow Zone (11-20)
  Recommended Actions:

  • Clinical evaluation

  • Thyroid function tests

  • Sleep study referral

• Red Zone (21+)
  Recommended Actions:

  • Immediate medical consultation

  • Full CFS diagnostic workup

  • Multidisciplinary care plan

Clinical Validation & Research Basis

Peer-reviewed studies confirm CFSI's reliability (α = 0.89-0.93) in:

• Identifying ME/CFS patients (88% specificity)

• Predicting treatment outcomes

• Monitoring post-viral fatigue syndromes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I retake the test?
A: Monthly tracking recommended for chronic cases

Q: Can pregnancy affect scores?
A: Yes - use pregnancy-adjusted reference ranges

Q: Is this diagnostic for CFS?
A: No - consult physicians for formal diagnosis

Additional Resources

• CDC Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Guidelines

• Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) Comparison Chart

• Dietary Modifications for Energy Management