Fibromyalgia and Stress Linked in Study

Editor’s Note: A few months ago, FMOnline ran a notice requesting interested FM patients (meeting the study requirements) to contact Dr. Satalino to participate in the research study that was part of her doctoral requirements at Walden University. Below are the results of the study.



Chronic Lyme disease (CLD) and fibromyalgia (FM) have developed into widespread epidemics. Diagnosis and treatment of these diseases remain areas of controversy. Studies examining personality and coping styles in FM have provided mixed results. A deficiency in the current literature remains regarding stress, personality, and coping styles in CLD and FM.



The purpose of this study was to examine personality traits, perceived stress, and coping styles in patients with CLD and FM and to assess whether common patterns exist. The biopsychosocial model provides the theoretical basis of this study as it models the important interaction between the mind and body. Using a quasi-experimental design, 105 women with CLD or FM and 31 healthy women completed a demographics survey, the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Brief COPE, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). It was hypothesized that both CLD and FM groups would report significantly higher levels of perceived stress (PSS), neuroticism and conscientiousness (NEO- FFI), difficulty identifying feelings (TAS-20), behavioral disengagement, self-distraction, and self-blame (COPE) than the controls. Tukey post hoc findings supported hypothesized relationships among perceived stress and negative emotions relating to neuroticism, difficulty identifying feelings, and coping methods such as behavioral disengagement and self distraction in those with CLD and FM. Social change implications of this study include providing a better understanding of the mind-body connection in CLD and FM, more favorable treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life. These findings demonstrate the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to disease.



Dr. Satalino can be reached at anna.satalino@yahoo.com.


Source: http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8233