[Is there a characteristic personality profile in patients with fibromyalgia? Study of achievement motivation and coping].

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristic personality and coping which is presumed in literature in primary fibromyalgic syndrome (PFS).

DESIGN

Case control study.

SETTING

Gemeenschappelijke Medische Dienst, Groningen, the Netherlands.

METHOD

From February 1st to October 1st, 1993, 46 PFS patients were collected and compared with a control group of subjects matched for age and sex. Both groups were asked to complete the PMT and UCL (standardised Dutch tests for achievement motivation and coping). For both tests standard values are known. 35 PFS patients and 32 controls completed the tests.

RESULTS

The achievement motivation in both groups was within normal range. The PFS patients as well as the controls had significantly higher scores on 'palliative reaction' and 'depressive reaction'. The PFS patients had a higher score on the coping style 'reassuring thoughts' than the controls (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The characteristic personality features described in literature could not be confirmed. However, PFS patients did have a higher score on the coping style 'reassuring thoughts' compared with the controls.