Abstract

Andrew P. Smith*

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous research suggests that those with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) have cognitive impairments The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported health in fibromyalgia patients and to test their performance on a range of psychomotor and cognitive performance tests. Method: Twelve fibromyalgia patients and twelve healthy controls completed two hours of computer performance tests, measuring psychomotor functioning, selective attention, free recall memory, recognition memory and logical reasoning. They also completed self-report measures of physical and psychological health: the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Sickness Impact Profile 68, the state anxiety scale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a questionnaire assessing sleep quality and quantity. Results: Fibromyalgia patients reported significantly poorer physical and psychological health. They also displayed significantly slower reaction times in the tests of psychomotor function. However, no deficits in performance were found with the tests of memory, logical reasoning and selective attention. Conclusions: Fibromyalgia patients report greater pain, more somatic symptoms, greater mental health issues and more sleep problems. Objective testing revealed slower choice reaction times which probably reflect motor slowing. These measures can now be used to monitor the efficacy of the management of fibromyalgia.