Executive functions in fibromyalgia: A systematic review.

Abstract

The study investigated impairment in executive functions (EF) in patients with Fibromyalgia (FM), based on a systematic review. Methods: Following the PRISMA writing guide, the search took place in the PsychInfo, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and ProQuest T&D databases, without delimiting the time frame. A total of 2,164 studies were identified. After the selection steps, in which the eligibility criteriaempirical studies; with individuals diagnosed with FM; studies that used EF measurement instruments; comparative studies that included a healthy control group-were applied, 21 articles were included for analysis. Results: There was evidence of impairment in inhibitory control and attention, a result that was maintained even after controlling for anxiety and depression. Deficits in working memory were also suggested while few studies investigated impairments in cognitive flexibility. There was no consistent evidence of compromise in fluency, decision-making, or planning. Conclusions: The study contributes to a mapping of the area, identifying the constructs and instruments most used. The findings can direct future studies and the clinical practice in the treatment of people with FM. The neuropsychological assessment can be a relevant resource to address possible executive difficulties in these patients and the consequences for their treatment and functionality. Public Significance StatementPatients with Fibromyalgia present inhibitory control and attention impairments. Depression, anxiety, and pain can be moderators in the relation between Fibromyalgia and executive functions difficulties. Neuropsychological assessment can be an important tool to understand executive functions difficulties in Fibromyalgia patients, collaborating to directing multi-professional intervention and treatment strategies.