INTRODUCTION Chronic musculoskeletal pain is now a common feature among younger women. Many such women exhibit a range of additional physical and psychological features and fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. Hypermobility, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine are frequent comorbid conditions. These are all in part mediated by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and commonly include fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog. Anxiety, social withdrawal and a range of autistic traits are frequently described by those with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and autistic people are over-represented among patients attending pain clinics. This study was designed to explore the correlation between the degree of pain and autistic traits described within a self-selected community-based population. METHODS The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 448 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of autistic traits (RAADS-R score), fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Correlation analysis and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between each disorder. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess prevalence, strength and significance of relationships, causes of variance within populations and mediations. RESULTS Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of significant autistic traits, fibromyalgia and hypermobility were all much greater than expected at 63.4%, 40.6% and 43.7% respectively. Those identifying as non-binary or trans had the highest rates. Fibromyalgia was significantly associated with autistic traits, with dysautonomia a stronger predictor than chronic pain. Regression analyses revealed hypermobility partially mediated the relationship between autistic traits and fibromyalgia. DISCUSSION This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between fibromyalgia and neurodivergent traits. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population confirm that these conditions are common and that those with autistic traits are at significantly increased risk of developing fibromyalgia, especially if they are hypermobile.
Introduction People are presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain at a younger age, and many fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. We have recently shown a strong association between fibromyalgia symptoms and autistic traits in a self-selected community population, with the relationship mediated in part by the presence of hypermobility. Many respondents also described food sensitivities and intolerances. This study explores relationships between food issues and fibromyalgia symptoms in this population Methods The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 442 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria), autistic traits (RAADS score) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Subjects were also asked to record any food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, along with their consequences. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between these features and each of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess the strength and significance of relationships, causes of variance and the potential mediating effect of food-related symptoms in the correlation between fibromyalgia features and autistic traits Results Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility was 40%, 65% and 44% respectively. Half of all subjects reported food sensitivity and 31% reported food intolerance. The incidence of food-related symptoms was higher among subjects who met criteria for fibromyalgia than those who reported autistic traits or hypermobility. Food sensitivity and food intolerance were both more significantly associated with fibromyalgia (r=0.24, p>0.001 and r=0.38, p>0.001) than with autistic traits (r=0.15, p>0.01 and r=0.17, p>0.01). Discussion This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between features of fibromyalgia and reported food intolerance and sensitivity. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population suggest that gluten and lactose consumption may be associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. Avoidance of these foodstuffs was commonly reported to reduce symptoms. Dietary adjustment may merit further investigation as a therapeutic modality for some patients with fibromyalgia.
INTRODUCTION People are presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain at a younger age, and many fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. We have recently shown a strong association between fibromyalgia symptoms and autistic traits in a self-selected community population, with the relationship mediated in part by the presence of hypermobility. Many respondents also described food sensitivities and intolerances. This study explores the relationships between food issues and fibromyalgia symptoms in this population METHODS The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 442 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria), autistic traits (RAADS score) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Subjects were also asked to record any food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, along with their consequences. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between these features and each of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess the strength and significance of relationships, and the potential mediating effect of food-related symptoms in the correlation between fibromyalgia features and autistic traits RESULTS Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility was 40%, 65% and 44% respectively. Half of all subjects reported food sensitivity and 31% reported food intolerance. The incidence of food-related symptoms was higher among subjects who met criteria for fibromyalgia than those who reported autistic traits or hypermobility. Food sensitivity and food intolerance were both more significantly associated with fibromyalgia (r=0.24, p>0.001 and r=0.38, p>0.001) than with autistic traits (r=0.15, p>0.01 and r=0.17, p>0.01). DISCUSSION This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between features of fibromyalgia and reported food intolerance and sensitivity. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population suggest that gluten and lactose consumption may be associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. The study population commonly reported that avoidance of gluten and / or lactose containing foods reduced symptoms. Dietary adjustment may merit further investigation as a therapeutic modality for some patients with fibromyalgia.
Background/Aims Chronic musculoskeletal pain is now a common feature among younger women. Many such women exhibit a range of additional physical and psychological features and fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. Hypermobility, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine are frequent comorbid conditions. These are all in part mediated by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and commonly include fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog. Anxiety, social withdrawal and a range of autistic traits are frequently described by those with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and autistic people are over-represented among patients attending pain clinics. This study was designed to explore the correlation between the degree of pain and autistic traits described within a self-selected community-based population. Methods The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 448 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of autistic traits (RAADS score), fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Correlation analysis and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between each disorder. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess prevalence, strength and significance of relationships, causes of variance within populations and mediations. Results Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of significant autistic traits, fibromyalgia and hypermobility were all much greater than expected at 65%, 40% and 44% respectively. Those identifying as non-binary or trans had the highest rates. Fibromyalgia was strongly associated with autistic traits, with dysautonomia a better predictor than chronic pain. Regression analyses revealed hypermobility partially mediated the relationship between autistic traits and fibromyalgia. Conclusion This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between fibromyalgia and neurodivergent traits. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population confirm that these conditions are common and that those with autistic traits are at significantly increased risk of developing fibromyalgia, especially if they are hypermobile. Those who self-identify as non-binary or trans appear at particular risk of developing features of fibromyalgia. Disclosure L. Ryan: None. H. Beer: None. E. Thomson: None. E. Philcox: None. C. Kelly: None.
INTRODUCTION People are presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain at a younger age, and many fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. We have recently shown a strong association between fibromyalgia symptoms and autistic traits in a self-selected community population, with the relationship mediated in part by the presence of hypermobility. Many respondents also described food sensitivities and intolerances. This study explores the relationships between food issues and fibromyalgia symptoms in this population. METHODS The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 442 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria), autistic traits (RAADS score) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Subjects were also asked to record any food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, along with their consequences. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between these features and each of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess the strength and significance of relationships, and the potential mediating effect of food-related symptoms in the correlation between fibromyalgia features and autistic traits. RESULTS Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility was 40%, 65% and 44% respectively. Half of all subjects reported food sensitivity and 31% reported food intolerance. The incidence of food-related symptoms was higher among subjects who met criteria for fibromyalgia than those who reported autistic traits or hypermobility. Food sensitivity and food intolerance were both more significantly associated with fibromyalgia (r=0.24, p<0.001 and r=0.38, p<0.001) than with autistic traits (r=0.15, p<0.01 and r=0.17, p<0.01). DISCUSSION This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between features of fibromyalgia and reported food intolerance and sensitivity. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population suggest that gluten and lactose consumption may be associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. The study population commonly reported that avoidance of gluten and / or lactose containing foods reduced symptoms. Dietary adjustment may merit further investigation as a therapeutic modality for some patients with fibromyalgia.
INTRODUCTION People are presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain at a younger age, and many fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. We have recently shown a strong association between fibromyalgia symptoms and autistic traits in a self-selected community population, with the relationship mediated in part by the presence of hypermobility. Many respondents also described food sensitivities and intolerances. This study explores the relationships between food issues and fibromyalgia symptoms in this population METHODS The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 442 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria), autistic traits (RAADS score) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Subjects were also asked to record any food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, along with their consequences. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between these features and each of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess the strength and significance of relationships, and the potential mediating effect of food-related symptoms in the correlation between fibromyalgia features and autistic traits RESULTS Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility was 40%, 65% and 44% respectively. Half of all subjects reported food sensitivity and 31% reported food intolerance. The incidence of food-related symptoms was higher among subjects who met criteria for fibromyalgia than those who reported autistic traits or hypermobility. Food sensitivity and food intolerance were both more significantly associated with fibromyalgia (r=0.24, p>0.001 and r=0.38, p>0.001) than with autistic traits (r=0.15, p>0.01 and r=0.17, p>0.01). DISCUSSION This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between features of fibromyalgia and reported food intolerance and sensitivity. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population suggest that gluten and lactose consumption may be associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. The study population commonly reported that avoidance of gluten and / or lactose containing foods reduced symptoms. Dietary adjustment may merit further investigation as a therapeutic modality for some patients with fibromyalgia.
INTRODUCTION People are presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain at a younger age, and many fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. We have recently shown a strong association between fibromyalgia symptoms and autistic traits in a self-selected community population, with the relationship mediated in part by the presence of hypermobility. Many respondents also described food sensitivities and intolerances. This study explores the relationships between food issues and fibromyalgia symptoms in this population. METHODS The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 442 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria), autistic traits (RAADS score) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Subjects were also asked to record any food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, along with their consequences. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between these features and each of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess the strength and significance of relationships, and the potential mediating effect of food-related symptoms in the correlation between fibromyalgia features and autistic traits. RESULTS Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility was 40%, 65% and 44% respectively. Half of all subjects reported food sensitivity and 31% reported food intolerance. The incidence of food-related symptoms was higher among subjects who met criteria for fibromyalgia than those who reported autistic traits or hypermobility. Food sensitivity and food intolerance were both more significantly associated with fibromyalgia (r=0.24, p<0.001 and r=0.38, p<0.001) than with autistic traits (r=0.15, p<0.01 and r=0.17, p<0.01). DISCUSSION This is the first community study to provide evidence for a direct association between features of fibromyalgia and reported food intolerance and sensitivity. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population suggest that gluten and lactose consumption may be associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. The study population commonly reported that avoidance of gluten and / or lactose containing foods reduced symptoms. Dietary adjustment may merit further investigation as a therapeutic modality for some patients with fibromyalgia.
INTRODUCTION People are presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain at a younger age, and many fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. We have recently shown a strong association between fibromyalgia symptoms and autistic traits in a self-selected community population, with the relationship mediated in part by the presence of hypermobility. Many respondents also described food sensitivities and intolerances. This study explores the relationships between food issues and fibromyalgia symptoms in this population. METHODS The study used a nonexperimental, correlational design with data collected from a volunteer sample of 442 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each of fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria), autistic traits (RAADS score) and hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Subjects were also asked to record any food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, along with their consequences. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were used to test the relationships between these features and each of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric techniques to assess the strength and significance of relationships, and the potential mediating effect of food-related symptoms in the correlation between fibromyalgia features and autistic traits. RESULTS Our self-selected community population had a mean age of 24 years and was 77% female. The prevalence of fibromyalgia, autistic traits and hypermobility was 40%, 65% and 44% respectively. Half of all subjects reported food sensitivity and 31% reported food intolerance. The incidence of food-related symptoms was higher among subjects who met criteria for fibromyalgia than those who reported autistic traits or hypermobility. Food sensitivity and food intolerance were both more significantly associated with fibromyalgia (r=0.24, p<0.001 and r=0.38, p<0.001) than with autistic traits (r=0.15, p<0.01 and r=0.17, p<0.01). DISCUSSION This community study provides evidence for a direct association between features of fibromyalgia and reported food intolerance and sensitivity. Although self-selected, the findings in our predominantly young population suggest that gluten and lactose consumption may be associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. The study population commonly reported that avoidance of gluten and / or lactose containing foods reduced symptoms. Dietary adjustment may merit further investigation as a therapeutic modality for some patients with fibromyalgia.
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