Psychosomatic Aspects of Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome [PFS]

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Abstract
Objectives: The importance of psychosomatic factors in Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome [PFS] is discussed with regard to the controversy about the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychological dysfunction. Methods: In a multicenter controlled study we investigated the psychological and organic factors of 65 patients with PFS and 53 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results: Pain behavior, psychological distress and psychiatric disorders differed significantly between PFS and RA patients. PFS patients were generally more disturbed and had more developmental risk factors [for example loss of parents or family violence] in their childhood. Conclusions: Nevertheless, PFS does not seem to be a psychogenic disease. According to a bio-psychosocial model, psychosomatic factors play a different etiological role within the different subgroups. This prospective investigation was designed to better elucidate these interconnections.