Factors related to temporal incapacity in patients with fibromyalgia

Objective: To know the sociodemographic, clinical and working conditions characteristics related with temporary disability (TWD) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). Patients and method: Patients diagnosed with FS who met the American College of Rheumatology's criteria, attending an outpatient clinic for at least three months prior were included. We performed a standard clinical protocol with sociodemographic, clinical and working conditions, dates and number of TWD during the last year. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire with 40 items [Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) inclusive]. Results: The participants were 51 women with FS, 32 of whom needed one or more TWD during the last year. The mean TWD was 83.73 days (DS 98). There was not a statistically significant relationship between the TWD and sociodemographic characteristics in a bivariate analysis. There is a significant trend with hard physical work and with the presence of triggering factors. There was evidence of a significant statistical relationship between TWD with a lack of response to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We noticed that the highest marks in the FIQ have a direct relationship with patients in a TWD situation. Conclusions: The lack of response to SSRIs was related with TWD process. The patients in TWD situation scored the highest FIQ. There is a trend towards an increase in the TWD with jobs that required physical effort.