Distinctive personality profiles of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
OBJECTIVE
The current study is an innovative exploratory investigation, aiming at identifying differences in personality profiles within Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients.


METHODS
In total, 344 participants (309 female, 35 male) reported suffering from FMS and/or CFS and consented to participate in the study. Participants were recruited at an Israeli FM/CFS patient meeting held in May 2013, and through an announcement posted on several social networks. Participants were asked to complete a research questionnaire, which included FMS criteria and severity scales, and measures of personality, emotional functioning, positivity, social support and subjective assessment of general health. In total, 204 participants completed the research questionnaire (40.7% attrition rate).


RESULTS
A cluster analysis produced two distinct clusters, which differed significantly on psychological variables, but did not differ on demographic variables or illness severity. As compared to cluster number 2 (N = 107), participants classified into cluster number 1 (N = 97) showed a less adaptive pattern, with higher levels of Harm Avoidance and Alexithymia; higher prevalence of Type D personality; and lower levels of Persistence (PS), Reward dependence (RD), Cooperation, Self-directedness (SD), social support and positivity.


CONCLUSIONS
The significant pattern of results indicates at least two distinct personality profiles of FM and CFS patients. Findings from this research may help improve the evaluation and treatment of FM and CFS patients, based on each patient's unique needs, psychological resources and weaknesses, as proposed by the current trend of personalized medicine.
Institute of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Jacob N
JN
Ablin
Department of Clinical Psychology, Ruppin Academic Center , Israel.
Ada H
AH
Zohar
Department of Clinical Psychology, Ruppin Academic Center , Israel.
Reut
R
Zaraya-Blum
Department of Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Dan
D
Buskila
Chronic fatigue syndrome; Fibromyalgia; Psycho-biological model of temperament and character; Type D personality
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