Abstract
Objective. The association between Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and childhood maltreatment and adversity has frequently been proposed but limited data exists regarding the transcultural nature of this association. Methods. 75 Israeli FMS patients and 23 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients were compared. Childhood maltreatment was assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and potential depressive and anxiety disorders were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. FMS severity was assessed by the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), the Symptom Severity Score (SSS), and the FIQ. PTSD was diagnosed according to the DSM IV. RA severity was assessed by the RA Disease Activity Index. Health status was assessed by the SF-36. Results. Similar to reports in other countries, high levels of self-reported childhood adversity were reported by Israeli FMS patients. PTSD was significantly more common among FMS patients compared with RA patients, as well as childhood emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect. Levels of depression and anxiety were significantly higher among FMS patients. Conclusion. The study demonstrated the cross cultural association between FMS and childhood maltreatment, including neglect, emotional abuse, and PTSD. Significant differences were demonstrated between FMS patients and patients suffering from RA, a model of an inflammatory chronic rheumatic disease.
Highlights
IntroductionFibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pain accompanied by chronic fatigue, disturbed sleep, and a spectrum of symptoms associated with amplified pain processing within the central nervous system [1, 2]
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pain accompanied by chronic fatigue, disturbed sleep, and a spectrum of symptoms associated with amplified pain processing within the central nervous system [1, 2].Several lines of evidence indicate the central nervous system in the pathogenesis of FMS
Childhood maltreatment was assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and potential depressive and anxiety disorders were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4
Summary
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pain accompanied by chronic fatigue, disturbed sleep, and a spectrum of symptoms associated with amplified pain processing within the central nervous system [1, 2]. Several lines of evidence indicate the central nervous system in the pathogenesis of FMS. Functional neuroimaging has demonstrated increased response of the CNS to pain stimulation among FMS patients [3], as well as altered patterns of resting connectivity [4,5,6]. FMS has been described as a prototype of a condition in which central sensitization of pain plays a major role [7]. A significant overlap has been described between FMS and a spectrum of psychiatric comorbidities, including anxiety and PTSD [11, 12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
