Quality of life, psychological status and functionality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Aim: Determination of clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics of patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to evaluate the effects of these parameters on the quality of life, daily activities and functionality of fibromyalgia patients was aimed. Method: The study included totally 86 patients who applied to the Karadeniz Technical University School of Medicine, Farabi Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic and were diagnosed with FMS according to ACR 1990 criteria. The demographic characteristics and complaints of patients were recorded. Number of tender points, 100 meters walking time, grip strength for each hand were calculated. Routine biochemical examinations and for differential diagnosis, ANA, thyroid hormone and vitamin D levels were studied. Visual analog scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), psychological symptoms screening test (SCL90-R ), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the modified fatigue impact scale applied to patients to assess quality of life and psychological characteristics. Results: The most common symptoms were fatigue and widespread pain in our patients. In addition, there was a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with FMS. Pain levels were found to be markedly effective in quality of life and depression levels. The demographic characteristics showed no significant effect on quality of life and psychological factors. In a majority of patients vitamin D levels were insufficient, however, vitamin D levels was not correlated with clinical measures, while the decrease in serum iron level was found to significantly increase fatigue and psychological symptoms index. Conclusion: Fibromyalgia syndrome is a disease that markedly affects the quality of life and psychological factors are in the foreground.