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Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS)
Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS)
| Availability |
Please visit this website for more information about the instrument: Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale
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| Classification |
Supplemental: Parkinson's Disease (PD)
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| Short Description of Instrument |
The Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) is a semi-quantitative assessment of the amount of drooling. It originally was developed to measure frequency and severity of drooling in individuals with cerebral palsy. Subsequently, it has been used in multiple studies involving individuals with Parkinson's disease.
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| Scoring and Psychometric Properties |
Scoring: The DSFS consists of 2 questions. The first question rates severity on a five-point (1-5) scale (never drools, mild, moderate, severe, or profuse). The second question rates drooling on a four-point (1-4) scale (no drooling, occasional, frequent, or constant). The Drooling Score equals the sum of the Severity and Frequency sub-scores (range 2-9).
Psychometric Properties: Has not been validated. Formal clinimetric properties have not been assessed.
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| Rationale/Justification |
Strengths: The DSFS is simple, short, and easy to complete. It has been used in multiple studies involving Parkinson's disease patients.
Weaknesses: The DSFS has not been validated. It does not address the psychosocial aspect of drooling.
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| References |
Key Reference:
Evatt ML, Chaudhuri KR, Chou KL, Cubo E, Hinson V, Kompoliti K, Yang C, Poewe W, Rascol O, Sampaio C, Stebbins GT, Goetz CG. Dysautonomia rating scales in Parkinson's disease: sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation--critique and recommendations by movement disorders task force on rating scales for Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2009 Apr 15;24(5):635-46.
Additional References:
Nascimento D, Carmona J, Mestre T, Ferreira JJ, Guimar?es I. Drooling rating scales in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021 Oct;91:173-180.
Nóbrega C, Rodrigues B, Torres AC, Scarpel RD, Neves CA, Melo A. Is drooling secondary to a swallowing disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease? Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2008;14(3):243-5.
Thomas-Stonell N, Greenberg J. Three treatment approaches and clinical factors in the reduction of drooling. Dysphagia. 1988;3(2):73-8.
Document last updated August 2022
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