[FM] as a Heterogeneous Condition: Subgroups of Patients Based on Physical Symptoms and Cognitive-Affective Variables Related to Pain, 2021, Martinez

Full title: Fibromyalgia as a Heterogeneous Condition: Subgroups of Patients Based on Physical Symptoms and Cognitive-Affective Variables Related to Pain

Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations, and knowing this variability can help to develop tailored treatments. To understand better the heterogeneity of FM the present cross-sectional study analyzed the role of several physical symptoms (pain, fatigue and poor sleep quality) and cognitive-affective variables related to pain (pain catastrophizing, pain vigilance, self-efficacy in pain management, and pain acceptance) in the configuration of clinical profiles. A sample of 161 women with FM fulfilled an interview and several self-report measures to explore physical symptoms, cognitive-affective variables, disability and psychopathology. To establish FM groups a hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. The findings revealed three clusters that differed in the grouping variables, Wilks’ λ = .17, F(14, 304) = 31.50, p < .001, ηp2 = .59. Group 1 (n = 72) was characterized by high physical and psychological affectation, Group 2 (n = 19) by low physical affectation and high pain self-efficacy, and Group 3 (n = 70) by moderate physical affectation and low pain catastrophizing. The external validation of the clusters was confirmed, Wilks’ λ = .72, F(4, 314) = 14.09, p < .001, ηp2 = .15, showing Group 1 the highest levels of FM impact and psychopathological distress. Considering the distinctive clinical characteristics of each subgroup therapeutic strategies addressed to the specific needs of each group were suggested. Assessing FM profiles may be key for a better understanding and approach of this syndrome.

Paywall, https://www.cambridge.org/core/jour...ated-to-pain/C2875C6EABBA1C3991EC174F4F9B5DB9

 

Hmm. I wonder if the subjects' responses on the questionnaires were done once or several times over a period of time to capture flare-ups, life stress impacts, sleep time, pain levels, distress levels, which might affect which group one fit into.

The aim to to provide better (psychological) care depending which group one tests into. The high pain-high distress group needs the most care which is obvious.

 

Oh good this has probably only been done fewer than one hundred times yet better do it 500 more times just to be sure.

How to stay at square 1: do square 1 stuff endlessly, especially square 1 stuff that has already been done hundreds of times. It works, it just works, you will remain at square 1 and be able to do easy square 1 stuff for a lifetime.