DePaul Post-Exertional Malaise Survey

The following questions assess Post-Exertional Malaise. Everyone has felt fatigue after exertion or illness, but Post-Exertional Malaise is not the same as fatigue. Episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise involve abnormal responses to minimal amounts of physical and/or cognitive activity, with symptoms severity and duration out of proportion to the initial trigger. Post-Exertional Malaise involves being much sicker than usual and much less able to function than usual following minor exertion.

Over the past 6 months, have you experienced episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise?
Yes
No

Disclaimer: This screener is not meant to provide medical diagnoses. Please consult with your physician if you believe you may experience Post-Exertional Malaise.

"Pacing" includes strategies that are designed to avoid or reduce Post-Exertional Malaise. These strategies include: reducing physical, cognitive, and/or emotional activity, or resting during or immediately after activity. How effective are strategies like these in avoiding or reducing your episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise over the past 6 months?
Because of these types of strategies, I no longer experience Post-Exertional Malaise
These types of strategies are very effective
These types of strategies are moderately effective
These types of strategies are mildly effective
These types of strategies are barely effective
These types of strategies are not effective

Below are some symptoms of Post-Exertional Malaise. For each one, please indicate if you have experienced this symptom due to Post-Exertional Malaise over the past 6 months.

Some people experience these symptoms most or all of the time, even without any physical or cognitive exertion. However, episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise involves much worse episodes of symptoms after you have done a bit more exertion than usual.

Reduced stamina and/or functional capacity
Physically fatigued while mentally wired
Cognitive exhaustion
Problems thinking
Unrefreshing sleep
Insomnia
Muscle pain
Muscle weakness/instability
Aches all over your body
Dizziness
Flu-like symptoms
Temperature dysregulation
Physical fatigue
Other, please specify:
What were some of your triggers for episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise over the past 6 months? (select all that apply; if there are no clear triggers, proceed to the next question)
Physical exertion
Bathing/toileting
Dressing
Positional changes (e.g. standing or sitting)
Eating
Walking
Exercise
Cognitive exertion
Thinking
Concentrating
Reading
Watching movement
Listening
Talking
Sensory overload
Foods
Light
Temperature (Heat/Cold)
Noise
Visual overload
Smells
Emotional/Psychological Stress
Anxiety
Excitement
Conflict
Other
Other, please specify:
Over the past 6 months, how long do your episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise symptoms last? (select all that apply)
Less than 1 hour
1 - 12 hours
13 - 24 hours
25 - 48 hours
2 days - 1 week
1 week - 1 month
2 - 6 months
Over the past 6 months, are your episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise delayed in onset? (select all that apply)
No delay in symptom onset
1 hour or less delay
2 - 23 hour delay
1 - 2 days delay
3 days or longer delay
Which statement best describes your level of functioning during the last 6 months? (check one)
I am not able to work or do anything, and I am bedridden
I can walk around the house, but I cannot do light housework
I can do light housework, but I cannot work part-time
I can only work part-time at work or on some family responsibilities
I can work full time, but I have no energy left for anything else
I can work full time and finish some family responsibilities but I have no energy left for anything else
I can do all work or family responsibilities without any problems with my energy

Because you have not experienced any episodes of Post-Exertional Malaise, there is no need to answer any further questions on this survey.