Social cognition and attachment profiles of women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a case-control study

Background: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM) is a chronic syndrome primarily characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Although its aetiology is not fully understood, complex interactions between biological, genetic and various psycho-sociological factors are thought to be effective in the onset and maintenance of FM. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to examine social cognitive and attachment profiles of FM patients. Methods: 41 women with FM and 44 healthy women matched for education and age were included in the study. There was no significant difference in sociodemographic parameters between patient and control groups. The participants were recruited from a University Hospital in Istanbul. Sociodemographic data were questioned in both groups while FM group was also administered Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire to determine disease severity. In order to evaluate social cognition profiles of the participants, Reading Mind in the Eyes Test, Empathy Quotient and Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised were conducted. Results: FM patients did not differ significantly from control subjects by means of Reading Mind in the Eyes Test and Empathy Quotient scores (p= 0.33). Although no significant difference found between groups in means of attachment anxiety (p= 0.92), Fibromyalgia patients were found to have more avoidant attachment style than control group (p= 0.01). Conclusion: FM patients may have no social cognition impairments, especially in lack of any psychiatric comorbidities. Moreover, these patients may suffer from avoidant type of insecure attachment and this attachment style may affect social support seeking behaviour of these patients.