Adaeze Okafor
Fibromyalgia: Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
Program Treatment Outcomes,
Males vs Females
SchoolOrange High School • Pepper Pike, Ohio
ProgramScience Internship
MentorJudith Scheman, PhD
DepartmentPain Medicine, Cleveland Clinic
- Research
- Fibromyalgia: Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program Treatment Outcomes, Males vs. Females
- Hypothesis
- Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder marked by wide-spread pain in the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Gender differences in fibromyalgia have been characterized across various groups, though few studies have thoroughly investigated the impact it has on clinical outcomes following pain rehabilitation. The hypothesis of the present study is that physical and emotional functioning in FMS differs by gender - specifically that women will experience more severe symptoms and generalized pain than men.
- Methodology
- In this retrospective case-matched series, 35 men diagnosed with FMS who completed the program were matched with 35 women with FMS by age, duration of pain, and marital status. History of abuse and level of education were obtained by interview; Pain Disability Index (PDI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), and the Pain Intensity Level were administered before and after treatment.
- Outcomes
- The hypothesis was not supported by the data and analysis; there were no statistical gender-related differences in scores at admission and discharge. Wecontinue to collect data to obtain larger sample size. Examination of the criteria for how a patient is diagnosed with FMS may determine why females are more prone to FMS.
Interpretations
Breaking Boundaries by Kelsey Kornblut
Fibromyalgia by Clair Sulerzyski
No Cure by Moriah Rahamim
