What is the range of normal scores on the Fatigue Severity Scale?

What is the range of normal scores on the Fatigue Severity Scale?

• A. 5-15
• B. 9-35
• C. 5-20
• D. 9-25

Answer: (B)

The Fatigue Severity Scale uses nine items, each scored from 1 to 7. The total score is the sum of the nine items. While the absolute possible total ranges from 9 to 63, clinicians often interpret normal fatigue levels using the mean item score: a mean below 4 indicates no clinically meaningful fatigue. That mean corresponds to a total score below 36 (since 4 on each of the nine items would sum to 36). Therefore, normal scores are typically considered to fall between 9 and 35. Scores of 36 or higher suggest fatigue beyond what’s considered normal.

The Fatigue Severity Scale uses nine items, each scored from 1 to 7. The total score is the sum of the nine items. While the absolute possible total ranges from 9 to 63, clinicians often interpret normal fatigue levels using the mean item score: a mean below 4 indicates no clinically meaningful fatigue. That mean corresponds to a total score below 36 (since 4 on each of the nine items would sum to 36). Therefore, normal scores are typically considered to fall between 9 and 35. Scores of 36 or higher suggest fatigue beyond what’s considered normal.