An association between fibromyalgia and the dopamine D4 receptor exon III repeat polymorphism and relationship to novelty seeking personality traits

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a common syndrome consisting of diffuse aching, pain, or stiffness in the muscles or joints, accompanied by multiple tender points on examination. FMS patients are characterized by an atypical personality profile, high on harm avoidance and low on novelty seeking. The current study showed a decreased frequency in FMS of a dopamine D4 receptor polymorphism, the 7 repeat, associated in some studies with novelty seeking.