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. 2022 Mar 14;140:105725. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105725

Table 1.

Diagnostic interview for determination of psychosocial allostatic load (PsyAL) (modified slightly from Table 2 in Fava et al., 2019) with minor wording changes and explicit inclusion of disasters).

Psychosocial Allostatic Load
Criteria Questions Response
Criterion A. The presence of at least 1 current identifiable source of distress in the form of recent life events and/or chronic stress. Considering the full nature and circumstances of the stressor(s), do you judge it/them to have taxed or exceeded your ability to cope? A.1 In the last 12 months Yes No
  • Did you experience a major environmental or other disaster or traumatic event?

  • Did a family member or close friend die?

  • Did you separate or divorce from your partner?

  • Did you change or lose job?

  • Did you move?

  • Did you have severe economic difficulties?

  • Did you have legal problems?

  • Did you start a new relationship?

  • Did you feel under pressure at work?

  • Did you have problems with co-workers?

  • Have you been a victim of bullying, stalking, severe interpersonal pressure, or domestic violence?

  • Did you have problems with your spouse/partner or other family members?

  • Did you feel tension at home?

  • Has at least 1 family member been seriously ill?

  • Other

A.2. Have you felt that life is asking too much of you?
Criterion B. The stressor is associated with 1 or more of the following features, which have occurred within 6 months of onset of the stressor: at least 2 of the following symptoms: difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, early morning awakening, lack of energy, dizziness, generalized anxiety, irritability, sadness, demoralization B.1. Within 6 months of onset of (NAME OF THE STRESSOR)
  • Did you take a long time to fall asleep?

  • Did you wake up many times during the night?

  • Did you often wake up too early and could not get back to sleep?

  • Did you feel tired, without energy?

  • Did you feel a sense of instability, dizziness?

  • Did you feel nervous or anxious?

  • Did you feel irritable?

  • Did you feel sad or depressed?

  • Did you feel demoralized?

Significant impairment in social/occupational functioning B.2. Did you have problems or difficulties at work, at home, or in relationships with other people?
Significant impairment in environmental mastery (feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life) B.3. Did you feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life?

Diagnosis of Psychosocial Allostatic Load (PsyAL): A1 = Yes + A2 = Yes + B1 and/or B2 and/or B3 = Yes = PsyAL.