The interplay of pain, emotional regulation difficulties, and social support in individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia: impact on depression, anxiety, functional disability, and quality of life

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of the interplay of pain, emotional regulation difficulties, and social support on depression, anxiety, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This observational, descriptive study included 367 patients who met the 2016 diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia set by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The demographic characteristics of all participants were recorded. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale, emotional regulation difficulties were assessed using The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - 16 item version (DERS-16), and social support was evaluated using the Two-Way Social Support Scale (2-Way SSS). Functionality was assessed using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anxiety was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref). Depression scores were higher in the moderate and severe pain groups as determined by VAS activity scores and in the severe pain group as determined by VAS night scores. A statistically significant low positive correlation was observed between VAS night scores and both BAI scores and BDI scores. Higher WHOQoL-BREF physical health and psychological well-being scores were observed in the mild pain group as determined by VAS activity scores. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between FIQR scores and pain severity groups determined by both VAS activity and VAS night scores; between anxiety and depression levels and DERS-16 scores; between DERS-Total and FIQR-Global Impact. The relationship between pain, emotional regulation difficulties, and social support significantly influences mental health outcomes, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Multidisciplinary interventions that address these interconnected factors are essential for improving the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals living with fibromyalgia.