PTSD and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Focus on Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Impact

Abstract

The association between fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is of growing interest in psychosocial research. The mechanisms by which both disorders are interconnected are not well understood. The article presents an overview of the study results available on the prevalence of PTSD in FMS patients, the known and proposed mechanisms of their association, and the impact of PTSD on FMS outcomes. In addition, practical issues related to PTSD and FMS in clinical practice are outlined.