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Predictive Bidirectional Relations Between Pain, Fatigue, and Dyscognition in Fibromyalgia
Rylea M Ranum1, Loren L Toussaint1, Mary O Whipple2
1Department of Psychology; Luther College, Decorah, IA, USA.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Innovations, Quality & Outcomes
|March 4, 2022
Summary
Fibromyalgia symptoms like pain, fatigue, and dyscognition are interconnected. This study found that cognitive dysfunction predicts future pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rheumatology
- Psychology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disabling condition with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction (dyscognition).
- Previous research indicates strong correlations between these core FM symptoms.
- However, the predictive, bidirectional nature of these relationships, especially dyscognition's role, remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional, predictive relationships between pain, fatigue, and dyscognition in fibromyalgia.
- To establish whether dyscognition can predict future pain and fatigue severity.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design was employed with 450 female fibromyalgia patients.
- Symptoms including pain, fatigue, and dyscognition were assessed at baseline and a 2-year follow-up.
- Cross-lagged, longitudinal modeling was used to analyze the relationships between symptoms.
Main Results:
- Dyscognition, pain, and fatigue were positively correlated at both baseline and follow-up.
- Baseline dyscognition predicted follow-up dyscognition, pain, and fatigue.
- Baseline pain predicted follow-up pain, dyscognition, and fatigue.
- Baseline fatigue primarily predicted follow-up fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Dyscognition emerges as a significant predictor of future pain and fatigue in individuals with fibromyalgia.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering cognitive dysfunction in the clinical management and prediction of fibromyalgia symptom severity.
