EVALUATION OF EARLY MALADAPTIVE SCHEMES IN FEMALE FIBROMYALGIA PATIENTS

Abstract

Aim: Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness without an underlying organic cause. Relationships with psychiatric factors and personality traits have been reported in many studies. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemes (EMS) and fibromyalgia severity from the perspective of schema theory. Materials and Methods: For the study, 73 patients with fibromyalgia who applied to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with fibromyalgia were included. In addition, 78 healthy control patients (without additional psychiatric disease and chronic pain) were included. A sociodemographic data form, Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form 3 (YSQ -SF3) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) self-report scale was administered to the participants. Results: We found significantly higher scores on emotional deprivation, failure to achieve, dependence/incompetence, vulnerability to harm, enmeshment, subjugation, self-sacrifice, and pessimism/negativity schemes in the patient group. We also found positive correlations with FIQ scores, emotional deprivation, and vulnerability to harm schemes. Finally, we found that age was a positive predictor on FIQ. After controlling for age, we found that emotional deprivation and vulnerability to harm schemes predicted FIQ scores. Discussion and Conclusion: Fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown etiology. Psychological factors should be considered in the holistic treatment approach. In this sense, schema theory-oriented perspective can contribute to the treatment process.