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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
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The Relationship Between Pain and Depression in Fibromyalgia: Structural Equation Modeling and Network Analysis
Francesco Oliva1, Mariagrazia Merola1, Alberto Olivero2
1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
Summary
Depression plays a central role in fibromyalgia (FM), impacting pain and fatigue. Targeting depression may improve integrated care for chronic pain patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) presents complex symptoms including chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep issues.
- Psychiatric symptoms frequently co-occur with FM, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate relationships between core fibromyalgia symptoms and psychopathological factors.
- To determine the central role of depression within the fibromyalgia symptom network.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 50 fibromyalgia outpatients using validated assessment tools.
- Employed structural equation modeling (SEM) and network analysis to map symptom interconnections.
Main Results:
- Depression emerged as a central factor in the FM symptom network, linked to emotional and physical dysfunction.
- Fatigue significantly mediated the relationship between depression and pain.
- Stress contributed to the overall symptom burden but was not a central network factor.
Conclusions:
- Psychological and physical symptoms in fibromyalgia are deeply interconnected.
- Systematic assessment of depression is a clinically relevant target for integrated chronic pain management.
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