A MODEL TO ASSESS SEVERITY AND IMPACT OF FIBROMYALGIA

Objective, To establish a model for the detection of specific factors associated with the severity of symptoms and the impact of fibromyalgi a (FM). Methods, We evaluated 332 consecutive new patients with FM for factors that may be associated with disease severity, assessed by pat ient global assessment, and function, evaluated by the Fibromyalgia Im pact Questionnaire (FIQ). Fifteen potential explanatory factors were e valuated in a multiple linear regression model on data taken from an e xtensive group of standardized instruments. Results, Of the 15 factors , pain levels, self-assessed inability to work, psychological distress , pending litigation, helplessness, level of education, and coping abi lity had a significant association with patients' global assessment an d with scores on the total FIQ as well as on the activities of daily l iving subcomponent of the FIQ. Conclusion. Disease related factors suc h as pain and psychological factors such as work status, helplessness, education, and coping ability had an independent and significant rela tionship to FM symptom severity and function.