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Published in: Quality of Life Research 2/2013

Open Access 01-03-2013

The Fatigue Associated with Depression Questionnaire (FAsD): responsiveness and responder definition

Authors: Louis S. Matza, Kathleen W. Wyrwich, Glenn A. Phillips, Lindsey T. Murray, Karen G. Malley, Dennis A. Revicki

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

The Fatigue Associated with Depression Questionnaire (FAsD) was developed to assess fatigue and its impact among patients with depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the questionnaire’s responsiveness to change and identify a responder definition for interpretation of treatment-related changes.

Methods

Data were collected at baseline and at 6 weeks from patients with depression starting treatment with a new antidepressant.

Results

Of the 96 participants, 55.2% were women, with a mean age of 43.4 years. The total score and both subscales demonstrated statistically significant change with moderate to large effect sizes (absolute values ≥0.76). FAsD change scores were significantly correlated with change on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (r ≥ 0.73; p < 0.001). FAsD mean change scores discriminated among patient subgroups differing by degree of improvement in patient- and clinician-reported fatigue and depression. Responder definition for the two subscales and total score (0.67, 0.57, 0.62) was estimated primarily based on mean change among patients who reported a small but important improvement in fatigue.

Discussion

The FAsD was responsive to change, and the responder definition may be used when interpreting treatment-related change. Results add to previous findings suggesting the FAsD is a useful measure of fatigue among patients with depression.
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Metadata
Title
The Fatigue Associated with Depression Questionnaire (FAsD): responsiveness and responder definition
Authors
Louis S. Matza
Kathleen W. Wyrwich
Glenn A. Phillips
Lindsey T. Murray
Karen G. Malley
Dennis A. Revicki
Publication date
01-03-2013
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Quality of Life Research / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-012-0142-6

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