Generalized hypervigilance in fibromyalgia patients: An experimental analysis with the emotional Stroop paradigm

Attentional Bias Toward Negative Information in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

“…In addition to classical cognitive techniques such as validity testing or reappraisal, specific attentional training may also be helpful. Self‐control strategies are advisable to enhance ability to consciously withdraw attention from possible stressors or dysfunctional cognitions [25]. Such measures may include imagery techniques or strategies aiming at the deliberate control of attention, i.e., mindfulness training [57].…”

“…A recently published meta-analysis, which included 22 studies based on the Emotional Stroop Test, confirmed the occurrence of this effect but also alluded to its relatively small size and limited robustness [24]. To date, only a single study applied the Emotional Stroop Test in fibromyalgia research [25]. Here, patients and healthy subjects had to name the colors of words describing typical symptoms of FMS as well as disease-unrelated words with positive, negative, or neutral connotations.…”

“…= 2.57, P = 0.016) and neutral (t[26] = 4.66, P < 0.01) words. In the control group, reaction times to negative word significantly exceeded those seen for positive words (t[25] = 2.67, P = 0.012).The MANOVA comparing the interference scores of patients with and without comorbid depression did not reveal a significant difference (positive words: F[1,25] = 0.21, P = 0.65; partial eta squared <0.01; negative words: F [1,25] = 0.35, P = 0.65; partial eta squared = 0.014). The same held true for the model regarding the use of antidepressants (positive words: F [1,25] = 0.67, P = 0.42; partial eta squared = 0.026; negative words: F [1,25] = 0.37, P = 0.55; partial eta squared = 0.015).…”

Neurobiology Underlying Fibromyalgia Symptoms

“…However, there is now evidence that the hypersensitivity to unpleasant stimuli extends beyond the somatosensory system, which has led to the hypothesis that there is a generalized hypervigilance for sensory stimuli in FM [16, 20, 21]. A few studies have examined the sensitivity of FM patients in modalities other than pain and found perceptual amplification.…”

Evaluation of Depression in Women Affected by Fibromyalgia Syndrome

“…The bio-psycho-social model looks at the [10,11] illness through the co-presence of various factors associated with greater or lesser strength in the individual [12,13]. Stress, anxiety, depression, beliefs and cultural meanings attributed to pain, personal strategies in response to pain (active, or passive), degree of self-esteem, mood, situations of fear-frustration are all important situations in the individual affected by Fibromyalgia [14][15][16]. About 34.8% of fibromyalgia patients have a mood disorder, especially of a depressive type.…”