Personality Disorders and Traits of ABC Clusters in Fibromyalgia in a Neurological Setting

Evidence suggests that there is substantial comorbidity between fibromyalgia and Axis II pathology (i.e., personality disorders-PDs). The aim of the current study was to find out the exact cluster (A, B, C) of PDs or traits that are more prominent in FM and may be predictors of FM diagnosis.

Data from 86 subjects (53 with FM and 33 controls without FM) were analyzed in an observational, cross-sectional, comparative study in a neurological setting. The assessment of categorical PDs and traits was performed independently with the Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Disorders (SCID-II). Binary logistic regression was used to determine FM predictors among PD traits.

Compared with controls, FM patients had a higher rate of PD diagnoses (56.7 vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001). However, the rate was significantly higher only for borderline PD diagnosis (28.3% vs. 6.1% p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that schizotypal and schizoid (cluster A), borderline (cluster B), and dependent (cluster C) personality traits may be significant predictors of fibromyalgia (Nagelkerke R² = 0.415).

Our results may reflect the association of FM with personality traits of all three PD clusters: A (eccentric), B (dramatic), and C (anxious). However, the most consistent evidence seems to be for borderline PD.