Subjective Experiences and Sensitivities in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Quantitative and Comparative Study, 2018, Héron et al

Andy · Jun 2, 2018

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain syndrome associated with chronic fatigue. Its pathogenesis is not clearly understood. This study presents subjective experiences and sensitivities reported by fibromyalgia patients, which should be considered in primary care to avoid medical nomadism, as well as stigmatization of the patients. The prevalence of significant characteristics was compared with others patients consulting at the same pain unit who suffer from rebel and disabling form of chronic migraine.

Psychometric tests were anonymously completed by 78 patients of the Pain Unit (44 fibromyalgia patients and 34 migraine patients). Tests evaluated pain (Visual Analog scale), childhood traumas (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), lack of parental affection, stressful life events (Holmes and Rahe Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), perceived hypersensitivity to 10 stimuli, and hyperactivity before illness. However, pain scores were comparable in the two groups, and the prevalence was significantly higher in fibromyalgia patients than in migraine patients for anxiety (81.8% versus 51.5%) and depression (57.1% versus 8.8%). Childhood physical abuses were more frequently reported in fibromyalgia than in migraine cases (25% versus 3%). Similarly, the feeling of lack of parental affection, subjective hypersensitivity to stress and stimuli (cold, moisture, heat, full moon, and flavors) or hyperactivity (ergomania), appeared as prominent features of fibromyalgia patients. Fibromyalgia patients considered themselves as being hypersensitive (mentally and physically) compared to migraine patients. They also have higher depression levels. Beyond somatic symptoms, precociously taking account of psychosocial and behavioral strategies would highly improve treatment efficiency of the fibromyalgia syndrome.
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Open access at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/prm/2018/8269564/

Hutan · Jun 2, 2018

The authors are French, and the English isn't quite right in places. But I suspect this was unintentionally accurate:

During the clinical examination of painful patients at the Chronic Pain Unit, we used a semistructured interview.,
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Trish · Jun 2, 2018

I rather enjoyed the 'rebel' migraines and 'precocious' strategies too. I love unexpected use of words.

But looking at the content of the paper, I wonder how much the Fibro patients reporting of more difficulties in childhood might be an artefact of having a poorly understood condition and having had other doctors digging into their past and pushing them to frame their illness in that way.

Hutan · Jun 2, 2018

The conclusion:

Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome taking account of psycho-affective impact of life experiences, stress management, behavioral, and coping strategies, should limit further examinations, medical nomadism, and stigmatization of fibromyalgia patients.
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Translation: Find someone cheap with a blue cardigan and kind smile to chat with these patients, and keep them well away from real doctors and expensive tests.

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Subjective Experiences and Sensitivities in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Quantitative and Comparative Study, 2018, Héron et al

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Subjective Experiences and Sensitivities in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Quantitative and Comparative Study, 2018, Héron et al

Andy Committee Member

Hutan Moderator Staff Member

Trish Moderator Staff Member

Hutan Moderator Staff Member

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