A bio-psychosocial evaluation of ten adolescents with fibromyalgia.
A comprehensive assessment of 10 adolescents (mean age 15.7 years) fulfilling the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia, disclosed that 3 patients also had juvenile chronic arthritis. Based on semi-structured psychiatric interviews, testing and family assessments, 6 of the patients had a psychiatric diagnosis (over anxious and/or depressive disorders). The pain scores for the group (mean 5.0, SD 1.5) were significantly higher than for a comparison group of patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (mean 2.5, SD 1.7), (p < 0.01). Average IQ was normal (mean 102.3, SD 13.9), but striving for achievement and high parental expectations were evident in 8 families. Seven of the mothers and 3 of the fathers had chronic diseases. The frequency of individual and family stress indicates a need for psychosocial assessment and counselling soon after onset of symptoms. This study also serves as a reminder that the diagnosis of juvenile chronic arthritis does not exclude fibromyalgia.
Vandvik
I H
IH
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Hospital of Norway, Oslo.
Forseth
K O
KO
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003376:Counseling; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control