Evaluation of personality profile in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by various symptoms. Our aim was to compare the personality profiles and psychological aspects between FMS patients and control subjects. Additionally, we evaluated the FMS symptoms, pain and functional status. A total of 72 female patients with FMS and 64 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. METHODS: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), to assess pain and sleep quality, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), to evaluate the functional status, were used in both groups. We assessed the psychological status with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the personality profiles were evaluated with Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). RESULTS: Total BDI and BAI scores of FMS patients were higher than control subjects (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). In terms of psychopathology, hysteria parameters of MMPI were significantly higher in FMS. MMPI parameters except lie, infrequency, masculinity femininity and hypomania parameters (p > 0.05) were significantly higher in FMS group than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that there is a relationship between the psychological state and personality characteristics in FMS. Much more research is needed to better define the role of personality characteristics in the pathogenesis and symptoms of FMS.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program and the personality characteristics of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 6-week aerobic exercise program on pain, physical function, and psychological status, and to evaluate the personality characteristics of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen women with FMS were enrolled. They were trained for a 6-week home-based aerobic exercise program. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the visual analog scale of pain and sleep quality were measured at baseline and at the end of week 6. The personality profiles were evaluated using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). [Results] After the exercise program, significant improvements were determined in pain, sleep quality, physical function, depression and FMS symptoms compared to baseline. In addition, the hysteria item (71.21±8.84) of the MMPI was significantly higher in FMS. [Conclusion] Our findings indicate that home-based aerobic exercise may be a useful treatment in the management of FMS. Personality characteristics should be considered during the planning process of the treatment of FMS. Personality is a filter between life events and psychological responses. It is defined to be the integration of effective and behavioral patterns. Long-term studies involving larger clinical samples are needed to define the role of personality characteristics in FMS.