Cognitive Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] is characterized by chronic, widespread, musculoskeletal pain, but symptoms other than pain are common. Dyscognition is a term used to refer to subjective feelings and objective performance measures of cognitive dysfunction. In this paper, the evidence for dyscognition in FMS is reviewed.

Findings: Dyscognition is a prevalent symptom among patients with FMS that can be very disruptive. Studies using self-report measures support patient reports of dyscognition, demonstrating perceived problems across a number of cognitive domains. Tests using performance-based measures of cognitive function also support patient reports of dyscognition. Furthermore, these tests have thus far revealed a pattern of impairment in working memory and attention/executive control as well as memory impairment.

Conclusions: Dyscognition is a real and troubling symptom for many patients with fibromyalgia. However, the body of research on dyscognition in FMS is still quite small. More research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to dyscognition and treatment approaches that help with dyscognition and to understand the cognitive symptoms that are affected, including neuroimaging studies.

KEYWORDS. :

• Dyscognition
• working memory
• attention
• pain