Alexithymia Levels in Fibromyalgia

Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Alexithymia; Fibromyalgia (FM)

Treatments: Other: Fibromyalgia Agents

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06841302

IstPRMTRH-EK

Details and patient eligibility

About

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the changes in alexithymia levels in fibromyalgia patients over a six-month period following a combined treatment and to assess the relationship between changes in fibromyalgia symptom severity and changes in alexithymia levels. Specifically, the study sought to determine if improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), were associated with reductions in alexithymia, as measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20).

Full description

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. FM affects approximately 0.2-6.6% of the world's population and is more frequent in women. It is known that psychiatric comorbidities are frequently observed in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). In this context, while depression/major depressive disorder (MDD) stands out as the most commonly encountered psychiatric disorder among individuals diagnosed with FM, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and less frequently, anxiety disorders are also observed. The presence of these comorbidities can affect the clinical course and treatment response of FM, therefore, it is important to consider this condition in the evaluation of FM patients and in the development of treatment plans.

Alexithymia, characterized by difficulty identifying and describing feelings and a preference for external thinking, potentially leading individuals to report somatic symptoms like pain rather than emotional experiences. Alexithymia is more prevalent in individuals with fibromyalgia and it correlates with both distress and pain intensity. This study investigates whether successful SSRI treatment in fibromyalgia patients correlates with improved alexithymia levels, exploring the potential link between treatment response and enhanced emotional processing.

Methods:This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) according to American College of Rheumatology criteria were included. Those with psychiatric disorders, neurological conditions causing alexithymia, or under antidepressant treatment were excluded. All participants received duloxetine treatment combined with an aerobic exercise program. Fibromyalgia symptoms were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline and 6 months, while alexithymia was evaluated using Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS) at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser correction, paired t-tests, and correlation analyses, with adjustments for age, BMI, and daily medication count.

Enrollment: 123 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Meet the American College of Rheumatology's Fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria Have not received any previous psychiatric treatment

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of psychiatric disorders History of antidepressant use

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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123 participants in 1 patient group

Patients with Fibromyalgia

Experimental group

Description:

This study group consisted of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, who were also literate. The study specifically excluded individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, neurological conditions known to cause alexithymia, or those currently undergoing antidepressant treatment. All study participants were enrolled in a combined treatment program consisting of both a structured aerobic exercise program (swimming, cycling, or brisk walking for at least three days a week, with each session lasting two hours) and a pharmacological treatment regimen. Patients who did not adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen or who discontinued follow-up were excluded from the study.

Treatment:

Other: Fibromyalgia Agents