POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER, TENDERNESS AND FIBROMYALGIA

The aims of the present study were to inquire into the prevalence of f ibromyalgia syndrome, to assess nonarticular tenderness, to measure fi bromyalgia syndrome-related symptoms, quality of life, and functional impairment among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients as comp ared with control subjects. Furthermore, the differences between the P TSD patients with and without fibromyalgia syndrome were studied. Twen ty-nine PTSD patients and 37 control subjects were assessed as to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome according to the American College o f Rheumatology. Tenderness was assessed manually and with a dolorimete r. Fibromyalgia syndrome-related symptoms, quality of life, physical f unctioning, PTSD symptomatology, and psychiatric features were assesse d by valid and reliable self-report inventories. Results showed that t he prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in the PTSD group was 21% vs. 0 % in the control group. Furthermore, the PTSD group was more tender th an the control group. PTSD subjects suffering from fibromyalgia syndro me were more tender, reported more pain, lower quality of life, higher functional impairment and suffered more psychological distress than t he PTSD patients not having fibromyalgia syndrome. It is suggested tha t previous reports on diffuse pain in PTSD in fact described undiagnos ed fibromyalgia syndrome. The link between psychological stress and pa in syndromes is emphasized. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.