Background & Aims

Early trauma has been associated with changes in pain modulation and greater psychological distress in adults, and has a high prevalence in people with fibromyalgia. The clinical entity psychological pain is related to high levels of hopelessness, and is prevalent in people who have suffered childhood trauma. This study investigates psychological pain in people with fibromyalgia who have suffered early life adversities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study carried out at the pain clinic of the general outpatient clinic of Professor Alberto Antunes University Hospital of the Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil. Data collection took place through validated instruments: 1) American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria for FM (ACR, 2010); 2) Visual analogue pain scale (VAS); 3) Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI II); 4) Psychache Scale; 5) Early Trauma Inventory Self Report – Short Form (ETISR-SF).

Results

Fifty women with FM were interviewed, 33 (66%) reported a history of general trauma, 36 (72%) of physical abuse, 33 (66%) of emotional abuse, and 25 (50%) of sexual abuse. BDI II and Psychache Scale scores were worse in fibromyalgia patients with a history of early trauma (p<0.01; p<0.01, respectively) compared to those without a history of trauma. There was a positive correlation between the intensity of the history of early trauma with greater severity of depressive symptoms and psychological pain (p<0.05).

Conclusions

History of early trauma is common in women with FM and is associated with a worse psychological profile and, therefore, should be systematically investigated in this population.

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Presenting Author

Melina Pedrosa

Poster Authors

Melina Pedrosa

Medical doctor, Master science

Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil

Lead Author

Topics

  • Specific Pain Conditions/Pain in Specific Populations: Fibromyalgia