Factor analysis of the Beck Depression Inventory-II with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

J Health Psychol. 2012 Sep;17(6):799-808. doi: 10.1177/1359105311424470. Epub 2011 Nov 21.

Abstract

This study examined the properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) in a sample of 111 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors. The mean score for the Somatic-Affective factor was significantly higher than the Cognitive factor. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed for BDI-II total score, the two factor scores, and the BDI for Primary Care (BDI-PC). The BDI-PC and Cognitive factor demonstrated superior validity. Results suggest patients endorse BDI-II somatic items that overlap with CFS symptoms at a high rate. Factor scores should be evaluated separately, or the BDI-PC should be utilized with this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / psychology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales* / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Somatoform Disorders / diagnosis
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology