Brainfog Study: Psychological functioning in women with FM

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Psychological functioning in women with fibromyalgia: a grounded theory

study.

Health Care Women Int. 2004 Sep;25(8):702-29.

Wentz K, Lindberg C, Hallberg L.

Pain Clinic of Sahlgrenska University Hospital, M\ " olndal, Sweden.

The aim of this study was to elucidate psychological functioning and

psychological processes in women with fibromyalgia.

Twenty-one females with fibromyalgia (aged 26-72 years) were interviewed

in-depth. The interviews were analysed in line with grounded theory.

A core concept, " unprotected self, " mirroring childhood conditions and

adult psychological functioning, was identified. Intense activity or

hypomanic helpfulness often was used as self-regulation in adult life.

Later an increased exposure to mental load is accompanied by reduction of

cognitive functioning and generalised pain.

The phase of persistence of fibromyalgia is marked by reduction of

cognitive functions, unprotected psychological functioning, and increased

mental load as from crisis and somatic symptoms.