Do you accept a research case defintion which will concurrently measure as "independent constructs"  your symptoms to identify somatization disorder or neurasthenia?

Why has the consumer voice (CFIDS Assoc) representing consumers worldwide on the CDC Working Group not responded?
 
The CDC refinements of the research case definition were published on 31 December 2003:  http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/3/25
Was there any press release from either the CDC or the CFIDS Assoc, or was it released by stealth?
 
The recommendation of the CDC/International Study Group to use the SPHERE mental health instrument for potential participants will identify neurasthenia and somatization disorder "as independent constructs".
 
Note the SPHERE "Dimensions": 
Dimensions of Neurasthenia (from the self report Irritability, Fatigue and Illness Scale):
Irritable, annoyed with others, moody,loose temper easily, frustrated by little things, no energy, muscles weak, wakle up feeling tired, arms/legs feel heavy, tired after resting, feel dizzy, feel sick in stomach, feel faint when stand up, feel feverish during day, sore throat.
 
Dimensions of Somatization:
headaches, pain in arms/legs, back pain, joint pain, tingling, nausea, gas, diarrhoea, weak muscles, dizziness.
 
Every future research study will be affected by the CDC revision.

Will the recommendations be adopted for the UK PACE trials?
 
Where is the international response?
 
Chris Hunter

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