Does Functional Somatic Symptoms Measurement Differ Across Sex and Age? Differential Item Functioning in Somatic Symptoms.., 2021, Acevedo-Mesa et al

Full title: Does Functional Somatic Symptoms Measurement Differ Across Sex and Age? Differential Item Functioning in Somatic Symptoms Measured With the CIDI

Abstract

Functional Somatic Symptoms (FSS) are physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to underlying pathology. Their severity is often measured with sum scores on questionnaires; however, this may not adequately reflect FSS severity in subgroups of patients. We aimed to identify the items of the somatization section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview that best discriminate FSS severity levels, and to assess their functioning in sex and age subgroups. We applied the two-parameter logistic model to 19 items in a population-representative cohort of 962 participants. Subsequently, we examined differential item functioning (DIF). “Localized (muscle) weakness” was the most discriminative item of FSS severity. “Abdominal pain” consistently showed DIF by sex, with males reporting it at higher FSS severity. There was no consistent DIF by age, however, “Joint pain” showed poor discrimination of FSS severity in older adults. These findings could be helpful for the development of better assessment instruments for FSS, which can improve both future research and clinical care.

Paywall, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10731911211017228

 

Are murders that cannot be attributed to a named human agent the consequence of diabolical interference?

If the police can not find evidence for a murder having been committed by a named person the only logical conclusion is that the murder was not committed by a human, but by a malignant supernatural entity ie a demon.

 

It's funny how they often name questionnaires that focus on measuring mental disorders in a non-descript manner such as "Composite International Diagnostic Interview".

 

Well obviously the reason for supernaturally mediated murder lies in the behaviour of the victim so appropriate CBT is essential (Clairvoyant Behavioural Therapy). The satisfaction ratings by participating victims are out of this world.

This has potential value for the victims of lots of other types of unsolved crimes, and is very cost effective as it is not even necessary for the participants to attend the therapy sessions. Indeed if we get the interventions right for the victims of all crime, we might be able to dispense with any need for Police investigations saving yet more money.

 

Exactly as useful as statistical analysis on the color schemes on the wings of angels dancing on hairpins and how it correlates to specific dance patterns they could be doing if it were possible to observe them.

This seriously all needs to be studied as mass delusion, these people have completely lost all attachment to reality, they've been arguing imaginary concepts for so long they won't ever come back down from this high.

 

It always amazes me that they feel "Functional Somatic Symptoms (FSS) are physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to underlying pathology."

yet are quite happy to assume emotional pathology with a similar lack of evidence.