Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may explain poor mental health in patients with fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are common in fibromyalgia patients. This study compared post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls and determined whether patient-control differences in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms mediated differences in mental health. In all, 30 patients and 30 healthy controls completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health. Fibromyalgia patients had greater symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health than controls. Patient-control differences in mental health symptoms were fully or partially mediated by differences in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Healthcare providers should understand the role of trauma as management of trauma symptoms may be one strategy for improving mental health.
1 Luther College, USA.
Loren L
LL
Toussaint
2 Mayo Clinic, USA.
Mary O
MO
Whipple
2 Mayo Clinic, USA.
Ann
A
Vincent
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
anxiety; depression; pain; stress; trauma